Violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to 2,594 school closures, affecting 1.1 million children. The Education Ministry reported significant risks to safety, with schools targeted by armed groups. The M23 rebels have seized control in the region, contributing to a humanitarian crisis marked by over 7,000 deaths this year.
The recent surge in violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has significantly impacted the education sector, leading to the closure of 2,594 schools. This alarming situation, predominantly in North and South Kivu provinces, has deprived 1.1 million children of their education. Authorities have reported 1,483 school closures in North Kivu and 1,111 in South Kivu due to the escalating conflict with M23 rebels.
The Education Ministry has expressed concerns regarding the safety of students and teachers, noting that certain schools have become targets for explosives. Numerous schools have been bombed, destroyed, or repurposed as military bases by armed groups, with the resulting devastation representing an attack on the future of the children. The ministry has stated, “By targeting students and schools, this war is also a war on our future.”
The conflict, which intensified as the M23 group enlarged its territorial control, has also led to a staggering death toll of over 7,000 individuals in this year alone, according to Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during her address at the UN Human Rights Council. This situation further emphasizes the grave humanitarian crisis facing the region and the urgent need for international attention.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the widespread closure of schools, affecting over 1 million children and highlighting significant risks to their safety. The use of educational institutions in military actions exemplifies a broader assault on future prospects for the youth. With escalating violence resulting in numerous fatalities, there is an imminent need for a concerted global response to address this dire humanitarian challenge.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
