Children killed in school fire in rebel-held Bukavu

A fire at a school in Bukavu, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo currently under the control of M23 rebels, has resulted in the deaths of several children, according to a report by French broadcaster France 24 in its Africa news programme.

Bukavu has been at the center of the ongoing armed conflict between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel movement, which has held the city for a period of months. Instability and weakened administrative oversight in such rebel-controlled areas often complicate the maintenance of safety standards in public buildings, including schools.

Other developments covered

The same broadcast also covered other stories from across the African continent. Senegal is looking to develop its own domestic satellite industry, turning to the space sector as a potential avenue for economic growth.

The programme additionally examined the future of African cities and how they might cope with rapid population growth alongside the pressures of the climate crisis. This question was explored at an architecture biennale held in Nairobi, Kenya, where participants discussed approaches to sustainable urban development for a fast-growing continent.

The report was presented by journalist Harold Girard as part of France 24's programming.