Deadly fire engulfs two schools in rebel-held Bukavu, killing at least 24 students

A fire that tore through two schools in rebel-held Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday killed at least 24 students, many in a stampede as they fled.

• A fire engulfed the Furaha secondary and Ogama primary schools in Bukavu's Kadutu commune, trapping students inside and forcing others to flee through windows and a narrow door.
• The South Kivu provincial government said at least 26 students — 19 girls and 7 boys — died and warned the toll could rise.
• M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, whose rebel movement controls Bukavu, said 24 students were killed and 29 injured are receiving treatment at local facilities.
• The Kinshasa education ministry said the toll remains provisional and ordered assessments of affected schools to ensure learning continuity.