Beni Youth Parliament Urges Protection of Schools During Protests in DR Congo

The Beni Youth Parliament has made an urgent appeal to authorities to safeguard schools during recent public demonstrations in Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo. On April 22 and 23, 2024, groups of young protesters stormed into schools, assaulting students with projectiles and causing injuries.

Samuel-Don Katembo Sekanabo, president of the Beni Youth Parliament, strongly condemned the attacks on schools. "Schools are sacred spaces that must be protected," Sekanabo emphasized. He called for stringent actions against those responsible for the violence and a prohibition on any protests that could jeopardize the security of schools.

Sekanabo stressed the critical importance of preserving the sanctity of educational institutions and promoting peace and safety for all citizens, especially the youth of Beni. The Beni Youth Parliament is urging authorities to take swift measures to prevent further attacks on schools and ensure a secure learning environment for students.

Why this matters: The protection of schools and the safety of students during times of civil unrest is paramount for ensuring the continuity of education and the well-being of young people. The actions of the Beni Youth Parliament highlight the need for authorities to prioritize the security of educational institutions and take decisive steps to prevent violence that disrupts learning and puts students at risk.

The incidents on April 22 and 23 underscore the vulnerability of schools during public demonstrations and the necessity for heightened security measures. As the situation in Beni remains tense, the Beni Youth Parliament's appeal serves as a reminder of the vital role that schools play in society and the collective responsibility to safeguard these institutions and the students they serve.

Key Takeaways

• Beni Youth Parliament appeals to protect schools from violence during protests.
• Protesters stormed schools, assaulting students, causing injuries on April 22-23, 2024.
• Beni Youth Parliament calls for actions against perpetrators and ban on protests endangering schools.
• Preserving sanctity of educational institutions and student well-being is paramount.
• Heightened security measures needed to prevent violence disrupting learning and student safety.