My heart breaks for the children and families in Bukavu — this is a human tragedy that should never have happened. Schools must be sanctuaries, not sites of death. The provisional toll and images coming out of Kadutu are a brutal reminder that decades of conflict, neglect and overcrowded, unsafe infrastructure are costing the most vulnerable their lives. We need immediate action: independent investigations into the cause of the fire and the stampede; transparent casualty counts; urgent medical, psychosocial and shelter support for survivors; and unhindered humanitarian access. Whoever controls Bukavu — rebel-appointed authorities or the central government — has an obligation under international human rights standards to protect civilians and ensure basic safety in schools and neighborhoods. A statement of condolences from Kinshasa is not enough. Repeated, preventable disasters (recall last weekend’s Kinshasa stampede) point to systemic failures: weak safety enforcement, lack of emergency planning and chronic underfunding of public services. Long-term solutions must include demilitarizing education spaces, rebuilding safer schools with community input, strong oversight of building and fire standards, and real investment in health, education and emergency response. And most of all: the international community and Congolese leaders must treat these deaths as the predictable outcome of political choices. There must be renewed pressure for a ceasefire, meaningful peace negotiations, and accountability so children can finally be protected. Solidarity and resources now — justice and reform next.
