The ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused extensive destruction to educational institutions, including Zalingei University in Central Darfur State.
Upon visiting Zalingei, Radio Tamazuj observed severe damage to university buildings, with looted assets, stolen furniture and equipment, and destroyed offices and halls. Office ceilings and windows were broken.
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s directive to reopen Sudanese schools and universities by the end of October has faced rejection from numerous university professors.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Dr. Abdel-Muttalib Khater, a founding professor of Zalingei University, emphasized that universities should have the autonomy to make decisions based on their unique circumstances, as they are managed by specialized councils with knowledge of the country’s conditions.
Dr. Khater stressed that the current situation, marked by severe infrastructure damage, is unsuitable for continuing studies, calling for universities to decide individually according to their discretion.
Regarding the impact of the ongoing war, Dr. Khater noted that a significant portion of the country’s universities had been affected in various ways, from the exposure of employees and students to the effects of the conflict. Emphasizing his point, Dr Khater said, “A large part of the country’s universities was affected by this war in one way or another.”
He highlighted Zalingei University as directly affected by the collapse of its infrastructure and the loss of growth opportunities, placing the responsibility on relevant authorities to intensify efforts for its reconstruction.