In the eastern DRC, north of Goma, students from Rutshuru and Kibumba who were displaced due to conflicts involving M23 rebels, are getting ready to take their state exams. Despite the trauma caused by the violence they have endured, they must face the exams.
Among these candidates is twenty-year-old Florent Tushimwe, who fled the war last year and now aims to summon the necessary strength to pass his baccalaureate.
“I am compelled to take the exam here because the situation in Kibumba is dire. Here, we can focus on our studies without fearing war. The government has covered the registration fees,” explains Tushimwe Florent.
For this state exam, Nyiragongo expects a total of 2000 students. The majority hail from areas controlled by the M23, while some have joined the army or patriotic movements like the Wazalendo. Local authorities ensure that all measures have been taken for the smooth conduct of the exams.
“We are about 2000 students after verification by the inspector in charge of the roster. Some have dropped out, while others have joined the Wazalendo to serve the country. They deemed it necessary to serve the country; it’s also a choice that must be respected,” states Babi Kisuka, head of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST) in Nyiragongo.
The fate of final-year students living in areas controlled by the M23 remains uncertain. Civil society and other advocacy groups call for exams to be held even in rebel-occupied areas such as Masisi and Rutshuru.