Over 1 Million Schoolchildren Affected by Conflict in Eastern DRC
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, violence has forced the closure of 2,594 schools affecting over 1.1 million children. Both North and South Kivu provinces report significant disruptions in education due to safety concerns and the destruction of school facilities. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka indicates that fighting has contributed to over 7,000 deaths this year.
The escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly by M23 rebels against government forces, has resulted in the closure of 2,594 schools. According to the Education Ministry, 1,483 schools in North Kivu and 1,111 in South Kivu have shut down, impacting approximately 1.1 million children in these regions.
The Ministry stated that the resumption of educational activities has become increasingly difficult as the safety of both students and teachers is compromised. There have been reports of explosive devices being found within certain schools, further deterring their reopening. Many educational facilities have faced destruction from bombings or have been repurposed as military installations by armed groups.
The situation has tragically escalated to the point where one school was converted into a cemetery, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict on the future of education in the region. The M23 group has significantly increased its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, with violence resulting in over 7,000 casualties this year, as reported by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during her address to the UN Human Rights Council.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is severely disrupting education by closing thousands of schools and threatening the safety of students and educators. The alarming statistics reveal a humanitarian crisis, with implications for the future of the region’s youth. Immediate international attention and intervention may be essential to restore educational integrity and protect vulnerable populations amidst the violence.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
