School year jeopardized for thousands of children in Fizi after AFC/M23 attacks

Thousands of displaced children in the highlands of Fizi territory are struggling to return to school as violence continues to affect several localities in South Kivu province.

The disruption followed the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Territorial administrator Samy Badibanga said several schools suffered damage or destruction during clashes, leaving pupils without buildings or school supplies. More than 10,000 displaced families are also facing difficult living conditions that make it harder to keep their children in school.

Many families lost some of their belongings while fleeing. Some are staying with host families, while others live in makeshift sites, including one in Malicha. Badibanga attributed some of the destruction to drone strikes he said were carried out by the Rwandan army, though that claim was not independently corroborated in the available material.

The territorial administrator also warned that armed groups active in the area could forcibly recruit displaced young people. “Several displaced children who fled their villages will struggle to return to school. Poor parents and destroyed schools [...] have been abandoned to their sad fate,” he said.

Badibanga called on national and provincial authorities to increase aid for displaced people and take measures to protect children and restore school activities. He also requested humanitarian support for displaced families and security measures to safeguard education in violence-affected areas.

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Several displaced children who fled their villages will struggle to return to school. Poor parents and destroyed schools [...] have been abandoned to their sad fate.