The new authorities have started to reopen schools closed due to insecurity in Tillabéri, a region in the southwest which regularly experiences violence by armed groups. More than 800 schools are currently still closed. The new Nigerien authorities highlight the importance of guaranteeing children the right to education. A challenge in terms of security and logistics.
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By the beginning of January, 122 schools must reopen, according to the Tillabéri regional education directorate cited by local media. They will be added to the 37 which have already reopened. In this southwest region, more than 800 are still closed. Some have even been there for 3 to 4 years due to violence by armed groups.
The new Nigerien authorities say that the decision to reopen was not taken lightly and highlight the importance of children’s right to education.
A concern shared by those on the ground, unions and NGOs. But some also highlight the challenges that this entails: operating schools which may have deteriorated over time and bringing teachers back while ensuring their safety, like that of the students, in a region which is regularly the scene of attacks.
Synaceb, for example, recalls that there is still no news of two teachers kidnapped in the middle of class, in Makalondi, about a month ago. He asks to be reassured by an increased military presence and patrols near schools. Especially since schools can be targets for terrorists.
A delicate situation which is summarized as follows by a source contacted by RFI: the State shows that it is present, the armed groups will want to do the same and education is in the middle.
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