The March 23 Movement/Alliance River Congo (M23/AFC) and the Democratic Republic Congo are mourning pupils who died in a deadly fire in Bukavu City, South Kivu Province.
The deaths toll from the inferno had risen to 27 by late Thursday evening.
The fire broke out on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. at Funu B Avenue in Kasheke, Chimpunda District, Bukavu City.
It spread to Ujamaa and Furaah primary schools.According to reports from the scene, some pupils died in a stampede as they attempted to flee the flames, while others reportedly died from suffocation.
Dozens of pupils were rushed to Kadutu General Hospital, while four others were admitted to Bukavu Provincial General Hospital.
Initial statements from both the DR Congo Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship and M23/AFC put the death toll at 24, comprising 19 girls and five boys.
The statements said 29 other pupils were receiving treatment at various health facilities, with 21 admitted for intensive care.
However, a health official at Bukavu Provincial General Hospital, who declined to reveal his identity for security reasons, said three more pupils had died, bringing the death toll to 27.
The official added that several others remained in critical condition.
In a statement issued Thursday afternoon, the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with the injured pupils, teachers, school staff and the entire population of Bukavu, which has been severely affected by the tragedy.
The ministry said children living in areas controlled by M23/AFC remain part of the national education community and that the government has a responsibility to support them.
It said it had instructed relevant departments to conduct a documented assessment of the affected schools, identify the immediate needs of pupils, teachers and school communities, and work with educational and humanitarian partners to determine measures to support those affected and ensure continuity of learning.
According to the ministry, the latest tragedy comes amid a worrying succession of fires in Bukavu, several of which have affected educational institutions and disrupted learning conditions for pupils.
Meanwhile, M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said emergency response teams were mobilised and dispatched to the scene immediately after the fire broke out.
Kanyuka said the intervention helped contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring residential buildings.
He said M23/AFC expressed solidarity with the people of Bukavu and extended condolences to the bereaved families, as well as sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy.
Kanyuka said thorough investigations were underway to establish the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the fire.
He added that M23/AFC had mobilised assistance in response to the tragedy and urged residents to remain calm, show solidarity and exercise vigilance.
Kanyuka also cautioned the public against rumours and disinformation as investigations continue. he exact cause and origin of the fire remain unknown.