Millions of African children are facing a severe educational crisis due to the ongoing impacts of armed conflict and insecurity, which have led to the closure of over 14,300 schools across 24 countries on the continent.
The situation is particularly dire in countries like Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Niger, where the number of closed schools is most significant. This crisis has left approximately 2.8 million children without access to education, severely affecting their future prospects and increasing their vulnerability to various risks.
The closure of these schools not only disrupts the educational process but also makes it easier for armed groups to recruit children, thereby exacerbating the conflict’s impact on their lives. The lack of schooling contributes to a heightened risk of violence and exploitation, which perpetuates cycles of poverty and instability within these communities.
The current figures reflect a troubling increase of 1,100 school closures from the previous year, when 13,200 schools were reported closed due to similar issues of conflict and insecurity. This escalation underscores the growing scale of the educational disruption.
In some regions, the crisis has overwhelmed the education system to an alarming extent. For instance, in Burkina Faso, one in four schools is now closed, highlighting the severe impact of the ongoing violence on educational infrastructure. Similarly, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 1,450 schools were reported closed as of January, affecting around 500,000 students.
The personal impact of this crisis is illustrated by the story of a Congolese refugee now residing in Uganda. After losing his wife to violence and fleeing with his children, he discovered that their school in Congo had been shut down. He has since enrolled them in a Ugandan school, reflecting the broader challenges faced by families caught in conflict zones.
This ongoing educational disruption not only impedes children’s learning but also reinforces the broader social and economic instability in affected regions, necessitating urgent attention and intervention to address the root causes and mitigate the effects on future generations.
School closures across various countries are primarily driven by three key factors. First, some educational institutions are targeted as part of military strategies, with groups seeking to control or reclaim territory by disrupting local infrastructure. Second, non-state armed groups often perceive schools as symbols of government authority, making them targets in their broader efforts to undermine the state. Third, certain groups oppose the educational content offered by schools, particularly when it promotes ideologies they reject, such as girls’ education or instruction in French.
Patience, a refugee, faces significant challenges as he and his children navigate the disruption caused by language barriers. Originally educated in French in the DR Congo, his children must now adapt to English-language instruction in their new school in Uganda. This transition requires them to repeat classes, adding complexity to their already difficult situation in the refugee camp.
Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments. Schools in the Central African Republic and Mali have started reopening due to improvements in security conditions. Additionally, in Burkina Faso, around 1,300 schools have resumed operations since October 2023, following government efforts to regain control from militant groups.
These developments highlight the urgent need for a concerted effort from the international community, governments, and warring factions to protect educational institutions. There is a growing call for these parties to end attacks on schools and ensure the safety and security of both students and educators, aiming to restore and protect access to education amid ongoing conflicts.