Free primary education remains an intangible and irreversible achievement throughout the country.

The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship reaffirmed on Wednesday the inviolable, irreversible, and non-negotiable nature of free public primary education throughout the entire national territory. In an official statement, the ministry reiterated that no fees may be charged to parents whose children attend public primary schools. Any practice to the contrary is therefore unjust, unconstitutional, and contrary to the will of the State. The document specifies that the Congolese State covers all expenses related to the implementation of this measure, including operating costs, salaries, bonuses, and logistical and educational needs. Obstacles in areas under rebel occupation However, the ministry notes that the effectiveness of this policy is compromised in certain localities of North and South Kivu, currently under occupation by the M23/AFC rebel movement, supported by Rwanda. According to a document issued by the parallel government established by this armed group, illegal school fees are being imposed on parents, in flagrant violation of the Constitution.

“These practices are unacceptable and violate children’s fundamental rights,” denounced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemin Shabani during a press briefing.

Education, a national priority Free primary education is one of the pillars of the government’s Five-Year Plan, which aims to guarantee equitable and free access to quality education for all children, regardless of social background or geographic location. Ouriel Mangitukwa