The educational landscape of certain regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is marked by persistent difficulties in terms of the start of the school year. The territories of Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi are particularly affected by the precarious situation prevailing in these areas.
In Rutshuru territory, the start of the school year is uncertain in some areas due to the occupation of Rwandan-backed M23 terrorists. The Jomba and Bunagana groupements are already in their third blank year, while other areas of Rutshuru are experiencing their second failed school year. Faced with this alarming situation, the notability of Rutshuru calls on the government and its partners to come to the aid of displaced students who could enroll in schools in Goma and its surroundings.
In areas controlled by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in Rutshuru, schools are organizing registrations to pick up students. However, in areas occupied by M23 rebels, the latter are forcing school principals to open their doors. Parents fear that their children will be forcibly recruited into schools. At the same time, displaced students are allowed to enroll in schools in their places of refuge. The previous year, 771 displaced finalists managed to take the state exam in Goma thanks to the efforts of school authorities.
The territories of Masisi and Nyiragongo, too, are facing difficulties that make the start of the school year uncertain. Insecurity, poverty, the dilapidation and destruction of school infrastructure, as well as the presence of displaced people in schools, contribute to this situation. According to local civil society, some areas of these territories are still occupied by M23 rebels and other local armed groups due to the absence of state authority.
In the neighboring territory of Masisi, many children will not be able to go to school this year due to the precarious socio-economic situation exacerbated by the displacement of people fleeing abuses. In Nyiragongo, many classrooms are occupied by those displaced by war.
Despite the efforts of teachers’ unions in North Kivu to call for the resumption of classes, the start of the school year in these areas remains uncertain. Local authorities and the government face many challenges to ensure access to education in these regions plagued by instability and violence.
The start of the 2023-2024 school year in the territories of Rutshuru, Nyiragongo and Masisi in the DRC is therefore marked by difficulties, leaving many students deprived of education. The authorities must take urgent measures to remedy this situation and guarantee the right to education for all children in these regions.