The launch of state examinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo has recently sparked tensions in the Tshopo province, more specifically in the city of Kisangani. This situation reflects the ongoing challenges facing the Congolese education system.
On 24 June 2024, nearly 20,000 students were expected to begin the decisive rounds of the state examination. However, the commune of Lubunga was the scene of unrest linked to a community conflict between Bole and Legola. This situation impacted the participation of candidates in the examinations, raising divergent figures on the number of students affected.
Local authorities report limited disruption, estimating that only about 5% of candidates were unable to take the exams. In contrast, civil society puts the figure much more alarming, claiming that more than half of finalists were unable to take the exams in the commune of Lubunga. These contradictory figures underline the need for an accurate and transparent assessment of the situation.
The testimonies collected highlight the dramatic consequences of this conflict on the educational path of young people. Many parents have been forced to flee with their children, depriving them of the opportunity to take exams that are crucial for their future. Some students have not even completed their school curriculum due to the disruptions caused by the conflict.
Faced with this unfortunate reality, it is essential that all stakeholders commit to ensuring a safe and conducive environment for education. The authorities must redouble their efforts to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that every student can benefit from a quality education, without being hindered by community conflicts or external disruptions.
In conclusion, the situation of state examinations in the DRC, marked by the tensions in Tshopo, underlines the crucial importance of protecting the right to education of young people. It is imperative that adequate measures are put in place to ensure that all students can access fair and meaningful examinations, without being disrupted by local conflicts or crises. The future of Congolese youth depends on the priority given to education and stability in the country’s education system.