The national primary school leaving examination (ENAFEP) has started in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but has been postponed in some provinces due to the late arrival of item trunks at the various scheduled drop-off points. According to the Ministry of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST), exams for the educational provinces of Sankuru 1, Sankuru 2, Tshuapa 1, Tshuapa 2, Haut-Uélé 1, Haut-Uélé 2 and Bas-Uélé will take place June 12 and 13.
The Minister of EPST, Tony Mwaba, the Secretary General and the Inspector General visited Kisangani for the launch of ENAFEP 2023. This year, more than two million candidates are expected across the country, including more of a million girls. The country also has 8,232 examination centers and 2 cross-border centers, in Luanda and Kabinda in Angola.
The delay in the distribution of item boxes for ENAFEP could affect the results of examinations for candidates in the affected regions. The government must take steps to ensure that trunks of items arrive in time for upcoming exams. This situation is worrying because school exams are an essential part of the education and future of many children in the DRC.
In addition, there are several other security and human rights issues in the DRC. The United Nations Organization in the DRC has published a report on massive human rights violations in the regions of Djugu, Irumu and Mahagi. Armed groups have killed many civilians and committed sexual violence. The authorities must take steps to protect citizens against these abuses and to prosecute the perpetrators of these crimes.
Overall, the situation in the DRC remains worrying, particularly for the security of citizens and for the education of children. The country’s authorities must do more to guarantee the safety of citizens and improve living conditions. The world must also support them in this endeavour.