UNICEF condemns attacks on schools in South Kivu allegedly killing, injuring at least 7 children

BUKAVU, 5 December 2025 – UNICEF is saddened and alarmed by recent armed clashes leading to attacks on three schools in South Kivu that have allegedly killed at least seven children and injured others.

“We are deeply troubled by reports that children have allegedly been killed by bombs falling on their schools in recent days,” said UNICEF DRC Representative John Agbor. “Schools should be sanctuaries of peace where children are safe from all harm. We vigorously  call for an immediate halt to all attacks on schools and for children to be allowed to learn in safety and security.”

According to initial reports, on 3 December in Walungu territory, a bomb struck a primary school in Kaziba, killing four children. The same day, another primary school was also hit, and a separate blast nearby killed three children and injured several others. On 4 December in Murhesa in Kabare territory, a school was reportedly struck as well, though the number of casualties has not yet been confirmed. Verifications are ongoing.

In 2025, fighting has intensified to levels not seen in years and children, as always, are bearing the brunt. The number of grave violations against children – including killing and maiming, sexual violence, recruitment and use of children by armed groups and attacks on schools – has surged this year.

The conflict in eastern DRC is having  a devastating impact on the lives of millions of children, with profound consequences for their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Fighting is also severely disrupting education. As of the start of December 2025, more than 1,270 schools were not functional due to the conflict in South Kivu and almost 400,000 children were out of school. 

In 2016, the DRC signed the Safe Schools Declaration, pledging to promote and protect the right to education in situations of armed conflict. The DRC is one of 186 signatory countries to this declaration.

UNICEF is calling on all parties to the conflict to:

• Immediately cease all attacks on schools and other educational facilities
• Guarantee safe access to education for all children
• Ensure accountability for attacks on schools
• Ensure that children’s rights are embedded as a foundational element in all peace agreements.