Mogadishu, Somalia – A new report has placed Somalia among the world’s most dangerous countries for education, documenting 2,568 violations against schools. This ranking, which places Somalia fourth globally, underscores the heavy toll ongoing insecurity and conflict continue to exact on the nation’s education system.
According to the findings, schools across Somalia have been repeatedly targeted in armed clashes, subjected to destruction, and misused by armed groups. Teachers and students alike face threats of violence, with incidents of intimidation, abductions, and forced recruitment further weakening access to safe learning.
The global picture is equally concerning. UN Secretary-General António Guterres revealed that attacks on schools worldwide have surged by 44 percent compared to previous years. He stressed the urgent need for international and national stakeholders to prioritize the protection of education, especially in fragile contexts such as Somalia where generations of children risk being denied their right to learning.
Education advocates warn that without stronger protections, Somalia’s efforts to rebuild its education sector—already fragile after decades of conflict—could face lasting setbacks. Civil society organizations are calling for immediate investment in school safety measures, accountability for perpetrators of attacks, and expanded support for students affected by conflict.
The report serves as a stark reminder that schools, meant to be safe spaces of learning and growth, remain on the frontline of conflict. For Somalia, where millions of children rely on education to break cycles of poverty and instability, safeguarding classrooms is not just a humanitarian necessity but a cornerstone for the country’s future stability.