A panic was observed on Thursday in high schools and colleges in the city of Goma where parents come to pick up their children after learning that the vaccine against COVID-19 could be administered to their children.

« We came to pick up our children not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as we have learned, » said a parent without specifically citing his source of information.

« The authorities had to get vaccinated first to set an example for the rest of the population, not the other way around. And besides, this vaccine is not yet approved in Africa, please stop with this nonsense », he raves in a threatening tone.

Several observers from local civil society are calling on Minister Willy Bakonga to speak out publicly to calm people’s minds.

Contacted some school officials speak of a baseless rumour and a campaign of demonisation fuelled by politicians.

It should be remembered that since 18 December 2020, i.e. for two months, classes have been interrupted by the country’s authorities to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 and did not resume until 22 February.

Faustin Kalenga