17 Schools Relocated to Nia-Nia After ADF Attacks Displace Students

Mambasa, April 15, 2026 - Educational activities in parts of Mambasa territory, Ituri province, have been severely disrupted following renewed attacks attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), forcing the relocation of 17 schools from the Badengaido area to Nia-Nia.

According to local education authorities, students and teachers from the affected schools are now living as internally displaced persons after fleeing recent violence in the region. To prevent further interruption of the academic year, the Mambasa 3 education subdivision authorized the temporary transfer of classes to host schools in Nia-Nia.

Seven host institutions have been designated to accommodate the relocated learners. Classes are expected to resume immediately for schools that are ready, with teaching staff instructed to continue academic activities under the new arrangements.

Education officials described the measure as temporary, pending the stabilization of security conditions and the return of displaced families to their home areas.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the limited capacity of host schools, with some institutions already strained by the additional influx of students.

The villages affected by the March attacks remain largely deserted, with displaced populations concentrated in Nia-Nia and Bafwasende, where access to basic services remains limited. Humanitarian conditions are reported to be deteriorating.

Local sources estimate that nearly 100 civilians have been killed in recent weeks in successive attacks attributed to the ADF, an armed group operating in the Mambasa territory and surrounding areas.