At the end of February 2023, 6,134 schools were closed in Burkina Faso, a 44% increase since May 2022 (4,258). This represents 24% of all academic structures in the country, according to Ministry of Education’s statistical monthly report on Education in Emergencies from February 28, 2023.
Across 24 countries in West and Central Africa, it is the same kettle of fish as more than 14,364 schools have closed due to armed violence, according to the regional situation report Q2 2024 of Education in Emergencies Working Group for West and Central Africa, an increase from 2023 when 13,200 schools were closed. According to a recent report by the Education in Emergencies Working Group (EiEWG),
In a devastating blow to educational access, violence and insecurity have led to the closure of more than 14,000 schools across West and Central Africa, according to a recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
The impact of this violence on educational access is worrisome. Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) face severe disruptions to their education systems.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has expressed grave concern over the ramifications of these closures, which jeopardise millions of children, making them vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, child labour, and sexual exploitation in a statement.
Hassane Hamadou, NRC’s Regional Director, stated, “Education is under siege in West and Central Africa. The deliberate targeting of schools and the systemic denial of education due to conflict is catastrophic.” He emphasised the urgency of ending attacks on educational institutions, asserting that every day a child is kept out of school diminishes their future and the prospects of their communities.
In Cameroon, the situation is particularly dire, with three concurrent humanitarian crises affecting 1.4 million school-age children. Meanwhile, in the DRC, ongoing violence has resulted in the closure of 1,457 schools this year, impacting over 500,000 students and 12,700 teachers. Armed groups have increasingly occupied school buildings, further exacerbating educational disruption.
The implications of these closures are profound. Without immediate intervention, the region risks losing an entire generation of educated youth, with long-term socio-economic consequences. Girls are especially at risk of forced marriage and exploitation, exacerbating existing gender and social inequalities.
Despite this grim outlook, there are glimmers of hope. In Mali and the Central African Republic, the number of attacks on educational institutions has decreased, suggesting 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 the Central African Republic show that progress is possible,” noted Hamadou. He urged the international community to 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 action to protect education. This includes an immediate end to attacks on schools, ensuring the safety of students and teachers, and providing adequate funding for educational programmes in conflict-affected regions.
“Education is a lifeline for children in crisis,” Hamadou asserted. “We cannot allow violence to rob them of their future. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise 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, up from 13,200 closures in 2023.
– In Burkina Faso, one in four schools—6,149—was closed last year.
– According to the GCPEA report, the number of schools closed in Mali and CAR has decreased in the 2022-2023 study period (GCPEA).
– School closures affected 2.5 million children in the region in 2023.
– In the DRC, 1,457 schools remain closed, impacting 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.
As the crisis persists, the urgent need to protect the future of children in West and Central Africa has never been more critical. The international community must act decisively to ensure that education remains a priority amidst conflict and insecurity.
Read also: REPORT: A decade of attacks on schools
