Clashes force school closures in DRC

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - At least 20 primary and secondary schools have been destroyed by fire in the past two weeks during tribal clashes in the northeast, a security officer told Anadolu Agency on Friday.

Lieut. Ivan Legu said more than 60 schools in six villages in Djugu territory, Ituri province are no longer open because of suspected attacks by Lendu people against Hema communities. The violence has forced 6,000 students out of school.

Schools in “Djugu territory, including Mambisa, Walendu Djatsi, Walendu Tatsi, North Bahema, Bahema Banywagi and Bahema Baguru have been closed,” he said. “Twenty of them have been burned down and looted by the Lendu people. Most of the local people have been displaced.”

More than 40 people were killed two weeks ago during ethnic clashes. That prompted the government to send troops to try to contain the violence, but attacks have continued.

Ethnic violence is common in Ituri province, where different tribes routinely attack each other, inflicting heavy casualties before security forces can contain the situation.