Title: Mourning and demand for security: Beni teachers on strike to honor the memory of their murdered colleagues
Introduction :
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack perpetrated in Oicha in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Syndicat des Enseignants du Congo (SYECO) of the educational province of North Kivu 2 took a radical decision. As a sign of mourning and to express their demand for security, they declared three days of strike in all schools in Beni. This measure aims to pay tribute to the three teachers who lost their lives during this attack attributed to ADF terrorists. While schools have remained closed for six days in the Oicha region, teachers in Beni are uniting to demand protective measures and make their voices heard.
Safety request and alarm cry:
The president of SYECO of Beni, Christophe Kanyambwe, stressed that this suspension of school activities is not a strike, but a gesture of mourning in solidarity with the teachers of Oicha and their families. It is also an opportunity for them to reflect and mourn the loss of their colleagues. While emphasizing the paramount importance of education, Kanyambwe calls on the authorities to ensure the security of the population of Beni and also requests special attention to their situation.
Education as a hobby horse and a necessity for security:
The SYECO representative from Beni highlights the crucial role of education, considered the workhorse of the Congolese head of state. He recalls that education is essential for the development and future of the country. However, he emphasizes that to ensure a conducive environment for education, security must be guaranteed. Teachers, like the population of Beni, are demanding protection measures against terrorist attacks, in order to be able to practice their profession in complete safety.
Conclusion :
The strike called by Beni teachers in tribute to their murdered colleagues highlights the precarious situation in which this region of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself. Beyond mourning, teachers express their demand for security, recalling how essential it is to guarantee a safe environment for education. The Congolese authorities are called upon to take effective measures to ensure the protection of teachers and the population of Beni in their fight against terrorism.