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.
The rate of sexual violence against children has reached shockingly high levels, stated UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Gunfire shook Goma overnight as fighting flared between M23 rebels and pro-government forces.
Rwanda has expressed support for the M23 rebel group's decision to withdraw from the strategic mining town of Walikale in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for the DRC's commitment to halting hostilities as part of ongoing peace efforts.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Felix Tshisekedi is considering a sit-down with Rwanda backed armed group M23.
Azerbaijan’s ongoing demining efforts in territories liberated following the 2020 Karabakh conflict have resulted in the detection and neutralization of 23 anti-tank mines, 36 anti-personnel mines, and 377 unexploded ordnance (UXO) between May 12 and 18, according to the ANAMA.
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) stands as a significant intergovernmental body fostering cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries across Eurasia.
As the 2025 IIHF World Championship enters its decisive final phase, playoff contenders emerged, survival hopes flickered, and some teams fell to the edge of elimination on a high-stakes Day 11 of tournament action.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place from May 20 to 21 in Budapest, Hungary, marking a historic first as the summit convenes in an Observer State.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) stands as a significant intergovernmental body fostering cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries across Eurasia.
As the 2025 IIHF World Championship enters its decisive final phase, playoff contenders emerged, survival hopes flickered, and some teams fell to the edge of elimination on a high-stakes Day 11 of tournament action.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place from May 20 to 21 in Budapest, Hungary, marking a historic first as the summit convenes in an Observer State.
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin immediate negotiations for a ceasefire, following a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Kremlin has declined to set any deadlines, saying talks will take time and involve complex negotiations.
Azerbaijan’s ongoing demining efforts in territories liberated following the 2020 Karabakh conflict have resulted in the detection and neutralization of 23 anti-tank mines, 36 anti-personnel mines, and 377 unexploded ordnance (UXO) between May 12 and 18, according to the ANAMA.
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) stands as a significant intergovernmental body fostering cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries across Eurasia.
As the 2025 IIHF World Championship enters its decisive final phase, playoff contenders emerged, survival hopes flickered, and some teams fell to the edge of elimination on a high-stakes Day 11 of tournament action.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place from May 20 to 21 in Budapest, Hungary, marking a historic first as the summit convenes in an Observer State.
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