Fatshimetrie, the leading media outlet for educational news in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reveals news that is shaking the entire education sector. Education inspectors in the Ituri 3 educational province, encompassing the Mahagi territory in Ituri, have decided to launch an unlimited strike to make their demands heard.
In a statement marked by indignation dated October 15, these inspectors expressed their discontent with the differential treatment they feel they are victims of. Indeed, they highlighted the payment of a bonus for a special function granted to inspectors in five educational provinces of Kinshasa and three in Kongo Central, thus leaving aside the other educational provinces, including their own. This feeling of injustice led them to take the radical decision to launch an indefinite strike, leading to a paralysis of inspection activities throughout the educational province of Ituri 3.
The inspectors’ union in Ituri 3 called for unity and solidarity towards this strike action, urging its members to strictly respect the order issued. Any offender would be exposed to sanctions. It is also stressed that any abusive use of inspectors for personal purposes during the strike period will not be tolerated.
This suspension of inspectors’ services comes in an already tense context, marked by salary demands and deplorable working conditions on the part of teachers in public primary schools in Ituri. The convergence of the actions of these two main actors in the education sector reveals glaring dysfunctions that require an urgent response from the competent authorities.
In conclusion, the unlimited strike of the inspectors in Ituri 3 is a strong signal of the urgency of taking into consideration the legitimate demands of education stakeholders in the DRC. This mobilization highlights the persistent inequalities in the treatment of education personnel across the country, and calls for a deep and equitable reform of the Congolese education system. The ball is now in the authorities’ court to react and find lasting solutions to these crucial problems that directly impact the quality of education for future generations.