In the Rutshuru 2 educational sub-division, in North Kivu, 535 candidates did not sit the National Primary School Leaving Examination (ENAFEP), held on 4 and 5 June. Education authorities attribute this situation to the deteriorating security situation and the financial difficulties faced by many families.

Of the 3,498 pupils registered at the 15 examination centers, only 2,963 sat the exams, representing a participation rate of 85 per cent. The 535 absentees represent a dropout rate of 15 per cent, according to statistics provided by the Provincial Education Directorate.

For Henry Tunga Gisamonyo, Provincial Director of Education (PROVED), the persistent insecurity in several areas of Rutshuru, notably Mirangi, Ivuya, Kashuga, Birambizo and Karimbi, has disrupted school attendance and prevented many pupils from completing their primary education under normal conditions.

“We recorded 3,498 registered candidates. Of these, 2,963 actually sat the exams, representing a participation rate of 85%, compared with a dropout rate of 15%. Our observations show that this situation is mainly due to the insecurity affecting certain areas. We have also noted that the fees charged by some primary schools have contributed to school dropout rates, even though participation in the ENAFEP is supposed to be free,” he said.

The education official also highlighted the economic difficulties faced by households and the impact of school fees charged by some primary schools. In light of this situation, he called for a reduction in the financial burden on families, particularly in schools where teachers are already paid by the state. In his view, this measure would help to reduce school dropout rates in a context marked by population displacement and economic insecurity.

‘In North Kivu, school fees have been introduced in some primary schools. Normally, these fees should be set in consultation with parents. However, we have observed that some schools charge them whilst others do not. This disparity contributes to pupils dropping out of school, particularly in the final year. Given the current security and socio-economic context, it would be desirable to ease the financial burden on parents. In schools where all teachers are already paid by the state, a waiver of school fees could be considered,” he added.

It should be noted that a decree published on 30 August 2025 by the administrative authorities of North Kivu under the control of the AFC/M23 had introduced compulsory payment of school fees of up to 30,000 Congolese francs per pupil per term. According to this decree, these contributions were intended for the running of state schools, social support for teachers and the management costs of the institutions.

Reacting to this decision at a press briefing held on 2 September 2025, the Congolese Minister of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, had expressed his concerns, arguing that this measure ran counter to the national policy of free primary education.

As a reminder, since 2019, the DRC government has introduced free primary education in state schools. This reform aims to guarantee equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic situation. However, in several areas affected by armed conflict, its implementation continues to face numerous challenges, including insecurity, population displacement and a lack of funding for the education sector.

Written by Mukongo – Pseudonym