Church in Congo mourns 27 children killed in tragic fire of two schools

Catholic schoolchildren in eastern Congo gathered with candles Sept. 17 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Bukavu to mourn 27 classmates killed in a fire that devastated homes and schools across the city.

On Sept. 10, a series of devastating fires hit three areas in the city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in eastern Congo, reducing nearly 500 homes to rubble, and rendering at least 2,000 people homeless.

All 27 victims were buried Sept. 14 at the Ruzizi Cemetery.

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Catholic leaders in the country have expressed heartbreak at the loss and blamed authorities for failing to preempt such disasters.

"Faced with the death of these children, the first Christian response is one of silence, compassion and prayer," said Sr. Aimée Musenga, communications officer for the Congolese bishops' conference.

"The Christian faith does not seek to provide an immediate explanation for such unjust suffering. Rather, it invites us to stand alongside those who are suffering, just as Christ stood alongside a wounded humanity.

"These children are not merely victims of a fire: They are shattered lives, stories that were never able to unfold, hopes snatched away from their loved ones.” 

Comboni Missionary Father Kasereka Amini Wasingya, a Congolese theologian, said the Church is doing everything to bring respite to the bereaved families.

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"Through the services of both the diocesan and national Caritas organizations, the Church is doing its utmost to stand by these bereaved families. Above all, it prays for peace and territorial integrity in our country so that it may continue to fulfil its prophetic mission of watching over the well-being of all God's people," he said. 

He then blamed the authorities for failing to build a culture of prevention.

"These children are victims of the irresponsibility of the relevant authorities, who ought to put in place infrastructure befitting a state governed by the rule of law that cares for the education of its young citizens, the future leaders of tomorrow," he said.

Both Church leaders blamed the government for failing to put in place the needed preventive mechanisms that should either prevent such catastrophes in future, or at least mitigate the effects.

"Schools must ensure minimum safety standards: clear evacuation routes, emergency exits, fire prevention and fire-fighting equipment, as well as staff training accompanied by regular drills so that pupils know how to react in an emergency," said Musenga.

She urged the government to establish a "genuine culture of prevention" and not only intervene when disaster strikes.

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"A responsible society must anticipate dangers and put in place measures capable of protecting human lives," she said.

The recent tragedy compounds an already tenuous humanitarian crisis caused by decades of violence. Bukavu has been controlled by the Rwanda-backed rebel group, M23, since February 2025. More than 100 armed groups are aiming to control the region in which critical minerals for the technology world are being extracted.