Education under siege as over 14,000 schools closed in West, Central Africa

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has reported that violence and insecurity have forced the closure of more than 14,000 schools across West and Central Africa, significantly disrupting the education of countless children.

This alarming statistic emerges on the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard children’s right to education in a region plagued by conflict.

As of June 2024, the ongoing crisis has had a devastating impact on the educational landscape, particularly in the Sahelian countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The repercussions are dire, with millions of children at risk of recruitment by armed groups and exposure to severe threats, including child labor and sexual exploitation.

“Education is under siege in West and Central Africa,” stated Hassane Hamadou, NRC’s Regional Director for the area. “The deliberate targeting of schools and the systemic denial of education due to conflict is nothing short of a catastrophe. Every day a child is kept out of school is a day stolen from their future and that of their communities.” Hamadou’s call to action urges all parties involved in the conflict to halt attacks on educational institutions and prioritize the protection of schools.

The situation in Cameroon is particularly dire, where three concurrent humanitarian crises have left 1.4 million school-age children in urgent need of educational support. Meanwhile, in the DRC, violence and community tensions have led to the closure of 1,457 schools this year alone, affecting over 500,000 students and 12,700 teachers. Armed groups have increasingly occupied school buildings for military purposes, further exacerbating the educational disruption.

The implications of these school closures are profound. Without immediate intervention, the region risks losing an entire generation of educated youth, with long-term socio-economic consequences. Girls are at especially heightened risk of forced marriage and exploitation, deepening existing gender and social inequalities.

Despite the grim outlook, there are signs of hope. In Mali and the Central African Republic, the number of attacks on educational institutions has decreased, reflecting a potential decline in violence. Additionally, approximately 1,300 schools have reopened in Burkina Faso this year, allowing thousands of children to return to the classroom.

“The reopening of schools in Burkina Faso and the reduction in attacks on education in Mali and Central African Republic show that progress is possible,” Hamadou noted. “We must build on this momentum to ensure that all children have access to safe and inclusive quality education.”

On this critical day, the NRC calls upon the international community, governments, and all parties in conflict to take decisive and sustained action to protect education. This includes an urgent end to attacks on schools, ensuring the safety of students and teachers, and providing adequate funding for educational programs in conflict-affected regions.

“Education is a lifeline for children in crisis,” added Hamadou. “We cannot allow violence to rob them of their future. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of education and work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.”

Key Facts:

– Over 14,364 schools have closed due to armed violence in West and Central Africa, marking a rise from 13,200 closures in 2023.
– In Burkina Faso, one in four schools—6,149—was closed last year.
– School closures impacted 2.5 million children in the region in 2023.
– In the DRC, 1,457 schools remain closed, affecting over 500,000 students and 12,700 teachers.
– Positive trends are emerging, with reductions in school closures in Mali and the Central African Republic, and the reopening of approximately 1,300 schools in Burkina Faso.