Security Crisis Forces Closure of 30 Schools in Masisi

The security situation in Masisi territory, located in North Kivu, has deteriorated to the point where approximately 30 primary and secondary schools have been forced to close their doors. This closure deprives thousands of children of their fundamental right to education, according to a report released by the local civil society coordination in the Katoyi sector. The report comes as the 2025-2026 school year nears its end.

Persistent clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and Wazalendo groups against the AFC/M23 rebels have severely disrupted the education sector in the southern part of the territory. In the Katoyi sector alone, civil society has documented 10 secondary and 20 primary schools that are either shut down or inaccessible due to the ongoing insecurity. Some schools have suffered direct damage from combat, while others are situated in areas deemed too dangerous for students and educators.

The crisis extends beyond the Katoyi sector, with educational establishments in the Osso Banyungu sector and Bahunde chiefdom remaining non-operational since November 2025. Armed violence has disrupted nearly the entire school year in these areas, making the continuation of normal classes impossible. Educational authorities in North Kivu 3 province have confirmed this alarming situation, though they noted that some final-year students have been transferred to operational exam centers to allow them to participate in national assessments.

Even in the few schools that remain open, learning conditions are described as extremely difficult. In areas such as Nyamaboko, Ufamandu, and around Nyabiondo, Ngungu, and Rubaya, classes are frequently interrupted by renewed fighting. Students learn in an environment marked by uncertainty, fear, and significant anxiety due to the proximity of violence. This instability not only affects pedagogical continuity but also the psychosocial well-being of the children.

The situation in Masisi is indicative of a larger educational crisis gripping the entire North Kivu province. In February 2026, the NGO ActionAid reported that over 431,000 children were out of school, with 1,142 schools closed across the province. These figures underscore the profound impact of the armed conflict on education in the region. Humanitarian organizations are attempting to provide emergency education responses, with ActionAid launching an 18-month project in February 2026.