Lubero, DRC sees over 5,000 students out of school as ADF attacks force school closures

In the Lubero territory of North Kivu, the ADF rebel incursions have forced the closure of more than 20 primary and secondary schools in the Mwenye group, leaving over 5,000 pupils without classes for the 2025‑2026 school year. Local youth council president Prince Kasyano warned that prolonged disruption threatens dropout, child recruitment, early marriage and exploitation, and urged the Congolese government to restore security so schools can reopen for the 2026‑2027 term.

A year after the same fighting, the Alimbongo health centre remains heavily damaged. Staff must operate in makeshift conditions, with bomb‑shattered roofs, missing medical supplies and overcrowded maternity and general‑medicine wards. Nurse Janvier Kambale said, "Actuellement, il n'y a pas de services interrompus," but stressed the urgent need for medicines, equipment and rebuilding of the observation block. Both sectors are calling on the government and international aid partners for rapid assistance to prevent a deeper humanitarian crisis.