Authorities in the Abyei Special Administrative Area (ASAA) have differed reopening of schools for another two weeks.
An official at the state Ministry of General Education and Instructions said on Saturday that the Council of Ministers took the decision in its ordinary sitting held on Friday.
Nyinkuany Aguer, Abyei’s State Minister of General Education, told Radio Tamazuj that their line ministry at the national level, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction announced the results of Certificate of primary eight (CPE) on 5th February, the same date for the commencement of the 2024 academic year.
Aguer said that recent conflicts between armed youth in Abyei and armed youth from Twic County, believed to be supported by forces led by Gen. Gai Machiek, led to significant displacements. This upheaval has caused a delay in the reopening of schools in Abyei, he added.
“I presented to the Council of Ministers the situation of schools in Abyei. Due to the insecurity in Abyei and the displacement of a large number of people from the South River of Abyei, we have 12 schools in displaced areas. Although schools officially opened on Monday the 5th, considering the emotional impact on these children and the prevailing uncertainty, it is not morally right to expose them to schools. Additionally, some parents do not believe that the situation has completely calmed down,” he explained.
He added, “For this reason, no parent could accept to move from the camp, register his/her children at Abithok school, and then return to the IDP camp. As a result, areas like Rumamer and Awuol-nhom were affected, and some children even lost their parents inside Abyei, like the Nyinkuac incident. These children were emotionally and psychologically not feeling well, and that was the reason for the adjournment.”
Aguer denied that the decision deprives children of their right to access education but strongly believes that there are not enough learning spaces to accommodate displaced children. He is optimistic that they can return to their schools after two weeks.
He clarified that the adjournment began on February 9 and will end on February 25 when the security situation improves. The government does not plan to create IDP camps, as it goes against national policy.
Meanwhile, Bulis Koch, Abyei Special Administrative Area Spokesperson, confirmed the decision to postpone the reopening of schools and expressed hope that security would improve within the next two weeks.
“Yesterday, we adjourned the activities of reopening schools, and it was unanimously agreed by the Council of Ministers to suspend schools for two weeks, even though schools were expected to have started since Monday this week. This decision was made due to the insecurity situation in Abyei,” he stated.
Koch mentioned that security is gradually improving in areas with displacement, as a few families have been observed returning to Awal and Abithok residential areas. He also noted that security measures have been heightened in the Abyei area to facilitate the participation of school children in education and families in farming. Additionally, he announced that the Abyei Certificate for Primary Education (CPE) –primary eight– results would be disclosed on Monday next week.