Commentary: Navigating Sudan's education system through turmoil and conflict

Abstract

Since December 2018, Sudan's education system has been in turmoil due to a youth uprising against Omar Al-Bashir regime, leading to the closure of schools and universities for about ten months. Although a transitional government briefly restored educational activities in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic soon caused another six-month-long closure. Political instability continued post-pandemic, with conflicts between military and civilian factions within the transitional government leading to repeated educational disruptions and protests. By 2022, ongoing turmoil had caused significant academic delays. An internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into violence on April 15, 2023, devastating educational institutions in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. The prolonged conflict has left educators unpaid and forced many into low-skilled jobs. With the war ongoing and schools and universities closed for over a year, Sudan's educational future remains uncertain. Achieving a ceasefire and promoting dialogue between rivals are crucial to addressing the root causes of the conflict. Investing in education is essential for rebuilding the system and securing a brighter future for Sudanese youth.