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.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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Uzbekistan and Slovakia have officially launched a strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed Monday that Britain is fully involved in Ukraine’s attacks against Russia, warning of a growing terrorist threat and criticising Western missile policies.
Tom Cruise has officially entered the record books again—this time for a stunt involving a flaming parachute performed 16 times for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.
British chip designer Alphawave is set to be acquired by U.S. semiconductor giant Qualcomm in a $2.4 billion deal, marking another major loss for the London Stock Exchange as tech firms continue shifting to U.S. markets in search of higher valuations.
Uzbekistan and Slovakia have officially launched a strategic partnership following high-level talks in Tashkent between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Robert Fico.
A number of French companies are facing restructurings due to economic challenges, a situation that has garnered interest from hedge funds specialising in distressed debt.
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