DRC: 65 Schools Closed in Kwilu Province Amid Rising Insecurity

KWILU, Democratic Republic of Congo - December 27, 2025 - At least 65 schools in Kwilu Province, in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been forced to close due to worsening insecurity, local education authorities have confirmed.

The closures include 48 primary schools and 17 secondary schools, all located in Bagata Territory. Most of the affected schools were reportedly burned by the Mobondo armed group, which has been carrying out violent attacks against civilians in western DRC for the past three years.

The violence has displaced large numbers of residents, forcing families to flee to Bandundu, the provincial capital, as well as other safer areas. Displaced students from the closed schools are now being relocated to Bandundu and neighboring regions.

The Director of Education in Kwilu Province, Hervé Mungera, announced that students from Bagata Territory will be allowed to continue their studies and sit for examinations free of charge, as part of emergency measures to support them.

“Some of the students are also being assisted with food,” Mungera said. “Most of them come from Wamba Sector and are now in Bandundu. Thousands of children would normally be studying in the city.”

Despite efforts by provincial authorities, Mungera acknowledged that many displaced children continue to face serious challenges, including food shortages and lack of adequate shelter.

Meanwhile, the Congolese government has intensified security measures in and around Kinshasa, particularly in areas such as Maluku and Kingakati, following the spread of Mobondo attacks closer to the capital.

While authorities say progress has been made in containing the armed group near Kinshasa, the situation in Kwilu Province remains dire, with ongoing killings, displacement, and persistent insecurity forcing families to flee in search of safety.