ADF Insecurity Delays School Year End in Eastern DRC

The end of the 2025-2026 school year across the Democratic Republic of Congo is marked by official results proclamations on July 2, 2026. Yet, in the Bapere sector of Lubero territory in North Kivu, the academic year concludes under a shadow of insecurity. Schools in this region are significantly behind schedule, primarily due to the persistent threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The ongoing instability has created a challenging environment for education. The ADF's activities disrupt not only the daily lives of students and teachers but also the fundamental operations of educational institutions. This has led to a delayed academic calendar, preventing many students from completing their studies on time.

While the rest of the country moves towards concluding the academic year, the situation in Lubero highlights the severe impact of armed conflict on essential services. The insecurity directly affects the students' ability to attend school regularly and participate in crucial examinations, jeopardizing their educational progress and future prospects. The image accompanying the report shows students in Beni, North Kivu, during a different, more stable period, receiving orientation for state exams, underscoring the contrast with the current difficulties faced in Lubero.