The escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has forced the closure of 2,594 schools, impacting the education of more than 1.1 million children, according to a government statement issued by the Education Ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry reported that 1,483 schools have been shut down in North Kivu province and an additional 1,111 in South Kivu. “The resumption of school activities has been difficult, with the safety of students and teachers compromised due to explosive devices in certain schools,” the statement said. It noted that many institutions have been bombed, destroyed, or even repurposed as military bases by armed groups. In a particularly stark illustration of the crisis, one school was reportedly turned into a cemetery, underscoring the profound impact of the conflict on the nation’s future.

The deteriorating security situation follows an intensified offensive by M23 rebels, who have significantly expanded their territorial control in eastern Congo since December, including the capture of key provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu. The ongoing conflict has already claimed over 7,000 lives this year, as stated by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during her address at the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.

As the fighting continues, the closure of schools and the widespread presence of explosive hazards raise serious concerns about the long-term impact on education and the well-being of the region's children. Government officials and humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent measures to secure educational facilities and ensure the safe resumption of schooling in conflict-affected areas.

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