Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo School Year Begins Amid Ebola, Strikes and Conflict
[RFI] Millions of students returned to school across the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday, but the new term began amid an Ebola outbreak affecting six provinces, a teachers' strike call and continuing conflict in the east. In AFC/M23-controlled territories, the movement organised the return to classrooms even as Kinshasa continued to pay primary and secondary school teachers.
On Tuesday, millions of students resumed their education in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), but the beginning of the school year was marked by several challenges. These included an Ebola outbreak affecting six provinces, a teachers' strike, and ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country. Despite these obstacles, the Education Ministry emphasized the resumption of in-person classes as a priority.
The Ebola epidemic has resulted in over 4,000 cases, primarily concentrated in six provinces - Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, South Kivu, and Bas-Uélé. Sixty of the 151 health zones in these provinces have been impacted, with Ituri being the main hub for the outbreak, accounting for 82.3 percent of all confirmed cases. To address this health crisis, the Education Ministry has implemented a three-tier system based on local risk levels.
Schools in green zones will continue with basic preventive measures, while orange zones will operate under reinforced health protocols, and high-risk red zones will shift to a reduced form of remote learning using worksheets and radio or television programs.
In addition to the Ebola outbreak, the school year was also marked by a teachers' strike and conflict in the eastern regions controlled by the Allied Democratic Forces/M23 (AFC/M23) rebel group. In areas under AFC/M23 control, school officials and teachers were reassured and confirmed that classes would resume on August 31. However, in Ituri, teachers' union representatives are divided, with some agreeing to return while others remain reluctant due to concerns about protection against the Ebola virus.
Furthermore, the Congo Teachers' Union (Syeco) is calling for a strike, demanding higher salaries, the registration and payment of unpaid teachers, and various social benefits. The union's demands have not been withdrawn, and the government is currently working on addressing these issues, such as regular salary payments and retirement arrangements. The effectiveness of these measures in various health, security, and staffing conditions will be crucial in ensuring a successful start to the 2026-2027 school year in DR Congo.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
