DRC: School Year Marked by Contrasting Realities Across Provinces

The 2026-2027 school year began on September 1 in the DRC, with nearly 31 million students expected. In Kinshasa, attendance is low, while in Bunia and Beni, the threat of Ebola has led to preventive measures. In North Kivu, over 800 children are unable to attend classes due to displacement from conflicts, and in Mbandaka, a teachers' strike is disrupting the start of the school year. Education Minister Raïssa Malu reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the quality of education.