Violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the closure of 2,594 schools, affecting 1.1 million children. The M23 rebels have intensified their offensive, resulting in safety concerns for students. The Education Ministry has reported numerous schools being bombed or repurposed by armed groups, highlighting a crisis in the education sector, amidst rising fatalities this year.
The ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has caused significant disruptions to education, with over 1 million schoolchildren affected. This situation has surged due to intensified operations by M23 rebels against government forces. The Education Ministry reported that 2,594 schools have been forced to close, including 1,483 in North Kivu and 1,111 in South Kivu provinces, reflecting the dire implications for educational access and safety.
The ministry highlighted the challenges of resuming educational activities, citing compromised safety for both students and teachers. There are hazardous conditions with explosive devices discovered in various schools, resulting in many institutions being bombed, destroyed, or repurposed as military bases by armed groups. This situation not only disrupts education but also exemplifies a broader assault on the future of the youth in the region.
In a particularly harrowing instance, a school was converted into a cemetery, emphasizing the extreme distress faced by educational environments in conflict areas. The M23 group has expanded its territorial claims in eastern Congo since December, having captured key provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu. Additionally, the ongoing violence has led to a reported death toll exceeding 7,000 individuals this year, according to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka’s address to the UN Human Rights Council.
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo profoundly impacts educational institutions, with rampant school closures and escalating violence contributing to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 1 million children. Authorities highlight the critical need for safety in schools, yet armed groups continue to target these educational spaces, further complicating the potential for a return to normalcy. Stakeholders must address these pressing concerns to secure a viable future for the youth in this region.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
