Conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Displaces Over 1 Million Schoolchildren

Ongoing conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have led to the closure of 2,594 schools, impacting over 1.1 million children. The M23 rebels have intensified their attacks, with catastrophic effects, including over 7,000 deaths this year. The Ministry of Education has highlighted the considerable challenges in ensuring student safety amid the violence.

The surge of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the closure of 2,594 schools, severely affecting over 1 million schoolchildren. The Education Ministry reported that North Kivu province has seen 1,483 school closures, while South Kivu has experienced a reduction of 1,111 schools, leaving many students without access to education due to ongoing conflicts.

The Education Ministry stated that the resumption of schooling has become increasingly challenging due to concerns regarding the safety of students and teachers. Numerous schools have been damaged, destroyed, or repurposed as military bases by armed groups, complicating efforts to return to normalcy. “By targeting students and schools, this war is also a war on our future,” highlighted the ministry.

The M23 rebels have escalated their attacks, aggressively increasing their territorial control in the region and significantly impacting local communities. This alarming situation has had dire consequences, with fatalities exceeding 7,000 individuals reported this year alone, according to Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during her address to the UN Human Rights Council.

In summary, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in significant disruptions to education, with thousands of schools closed and over a million children affected. The ongoing violence poses substantial risks to the safety and well-being of students and teachers, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region. Immediate attention and action are necessary to safeguard the future of education in this troubled area.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr