A group of El Geneina University employees in West Darfur has launched an initiative to safeguard the university’s property, which has been subjected to extensive looting and vandalism during the ongoing conflict.
Dr. Hasab Al-Rasoul Issa Brema, the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the University of El Geneina and a member of the initiative, discussed their efforts in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
He mentioned that the destruction at El Geneina University was not as severe as what occurred at the Universities of Zalingei and Nyala. The added that the primary goal of their initiative is to protect the university and preserve any remaining assets, furniture, and vehicles. Dr. Issa emphasized that their work began amid the sounds of gunfire and artillery.
He explained, “The initiative collected documents, employee files, students’ academic records, computers, and some scattered papers of importance to the university.” The initiative also arranged for the safe storage of furniture and hired guards to protect the remaining university property.
“The initiative collected documents, employee files, students’ academic records, computers, and some papers scattered on the ground that are of importance to the university,” Dr. Issa confirmed to Radio Tamazuj.
Dr. Issa noted that the university is comprised of four main complexes: administration, a center, health sciences, and the College of Medicine. Unfortunately, all of these complexes were affected by the security instability in the state.
He stressed the university’s vital role as a center for cultural and social development, contributing to society’s well-being through education, research, community service, and development.
Dr. Issa reassured students that their academic records were saved by the registrars and deans of the colleges and securely stored. The conflict displaced students and professors, leading to tragic losses. Communication with the university’s vice-chancellor, who is believed to be in the Chadian town of Adre, has not been established.
Despite receiving salaries for June, the administration required workers in El Geneina to collect their pay in the Chadian city of Adre but did not provide funding for travel.
Dr. Issa mentioned the possibility of gradually reopening the university when conditions permit. He also warned of the challenges in safeguarding the remaining property and emphasized the need for regular checks and security measures across the four university complexes. “We have a daily schedule to check on the four university complexes, in addition to the presence of foundations to secure the complexes,” he stated.