Over 20 Schools Closed Amid Rising ADF Violence

Beni, February 23, 2026 - Beni, North Kivu DRC February 16, 2026 - At least 23 schools-15 primary and 8 secondary-have suspended operations in the Malio and Mwenye areas of the Bashu chiefdom due to escalating insecurity caused by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacks.

The closures have affected schools in villages including Vurondo, Kisasa, Ndondi, Kiriva, Kisungu, Vulera, Kyondo, and Kitumbu, leaving students and teachers displaced to nearby towns such as Butuhe and Butembo. Classes have been suspended since Monday, January 26, disrupting the academic calendar, particularly the first semester exams for secondary students.

Civil society leaders are calling on the Congolese government and school authorities to:

Strengthen security measures in affected villages.

Protect school infrastructure from looting or occupation by armed groups.

Ensure displaced students can complete the school year.

The school closures coincide with continued ADF attacks in the region:

Upende/Mangadu (Feb 10): Four civilians, including a woman, were executed, most by beheading.

Mavete (Feb 14): Two civilians killed while traveling to their fields.

Since the start of 2026, at least 63 civilians have been killed by suspected ADF fighters in Beni and Lubero territories, with Lubero being the hardest hit (52 deaths) compared to Beni (10 deaths), according to the North Kivu provincial civil society coordination.

The growing threat has left parents and residents fearful for their safety, highlighting the urgent need for restored security and protection of civilian life and education in the region.