Teachers in Nord-Kivu threaten school boycott amid economic hardship

Teachers affiliated with the Confédération Démocratique du Travail (CDT) in the Nord-Kivu II educational province are threatening to boycott the 2026-2027 school year. During a meeting in Butembo, members issued an ultimatum to the Democratic Republic of the Congo government, demanding that all grievances be addressed before September 1.

Key demands include the full payment of salaries for all new and unpaid units, increasing teacher wages to 500 USD, the abolition of salary zones, and the integration of teachers into the civil service. They are also calling for honorable retirement for elderly teachers and the establishment of the Teachers' Health Mutual (MESP) in the Beni and Lubero territories.

Simultaneously, preparations for the upcoming school year in Goma remain sluggish due to economic instability. Parents report significant difficulty purchasing essential supplies such as uniforms and notebooks because of low purchasing power and high unemployment. While some merchants have lowered prices to attract customers, sales remain low as families struggle to afford even basic school necessities.