Fatshimetrie recently highlighted an alarming reality plaguing the Banyali Kilo sector, in Djugu, Ituri. Around thirty primary schools have stopped operating since 2022 due to the almost total occupation of the region by armed groups. This distressing situation was highlighted by the entity’s notables during National Teacher’s Day.
Local civil society actors reported that several schools were devastated, burned or vandalized by militiamen. The figures are alarming: at least 35 primary schools in the Catholic and Protestant network are currently inoperable in the Banyali Kilo region. Of these, 19 were deliberately set on fire, while 12 others were ravaged by fighters in localities such as Mami, Maliakizungu, Anyolo Kilu, Kaba, Wazabo and Itendeyi.
This situation has deprived thousands of children of their fundamental right to education for almost four years. Forced into idleness and exposed to various forms of delinquency, many of these children find themselves drawn into armed groups, thus placing their future in danger. In addition, many teachers had to flee the repeated violence of the militia, thus abandoning their educational missions and leaving these young people without solid educational benchmarks.
It is particularly worrying to note that the Banyali Kilo sector has not benefited from the government program aimed at building school infrastructure in 145 territories. Thirteen of the fifteen groups in the sector are currently under the control of armed groups, leading to disastrous consequences on the socio-economic life of the local population.
The situation in the Banyali Kilo sector reflects the major challenges faced by vulnerable communities in conflict zones. It is imperative that concrete and immediate measures are taken to restore access to education for these children deprived of schooling. Education is an essential driver of the development and stability of a society, and should in no way be compromised by acts of violence and destruction.