Conflict in Goma DR Congo Threatens Education Amid M23 Rebel Control

As the back-to-school season unfolds in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) residents of Goma face daunting challenges amid the looming threat of war.

The city of over two million people remains under the control of the M23 rebel group, whose presence has brought rising prices and escalating violence, putting education out of reach for many families.

The 2025 Goma offensive, launched by the M23 rebels with support from Rwanda, saw the group capture significant parts of the city earlier this year.

Despite sporadic fighting and UN peacekeeping efforts the situation remains volatile, with disrupted supply lines and blocked access to essential services. Families struggling with soaring costs are often forced to prioritize safety and survival over schooling.

Education officials in Goma report that many children are unable to attend school due to insecurity and economic hardship. Schools are either damaged or repurposed for shelter or military use further limiting access to education.

Parents fear sending their children to unsafe environments amid violent clashes while inflation of basic goods erodes household budgets.

Humanitarian organizations warn that the ongoing conflict exacerbates already critical conditions in Goma, including displacement of hundreds of thousands, food insecurity and inadequate healthcare.

The M23’s control and continued hostilities threaten the social fabric and future prospects of the region’s youth.

Local and international calls for peace and renewed negotiations persist but the situation on the ground remains unstable.

As war casts a shadow over Goma the city’s children face a disrupted education with long-term consequences for the community.