Central African Republic suspends classes at Lycée des Martyrs
Violence erupted at the school after a dispute over a stolen phone escalated, damaging buildings.
Classes at the Lycée des Martyrs in Bangui were suspended from November 5 to November 9 following violent incidents that saw official buildings vandalized. The violence began after a dispute between two students over a stolen mobile phone on November 2 escalated, drawing in outside individuals.
Minister of State for National Education, Aurélien Simplice Zingas Kongbelet, visited the school on Thursday, October 5, to assess the damage. He observed destroyed administrative offices, the library, and the headmaster's residence, with damaged furniture and scattered documents. The minister condemned the behavior, stating that the school must remain a place for learning and citizenship.
The minister announced that classes would officially resume on Monday, November 9, following a flag-raising ceremony. The temporary closure aims to secure the premises and prepare for the return of educational activities. The initial dispute involved one student allegedly seeking help from friends and acquaintances.
Why it mattersStudents and staff at the Lycée des Martyrs in Bangui are affected by the temporary closure of their school due to violence and vandalism.