The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: The Distorted Educational System

Abstract

Introduction: On 15 April 2023, Battles initially broke out in the capital city, Khartoum, after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which used to be under the command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), rebelled. During such a disaster, Sudanese people are expected to reconsider their life priorities, with education coming down after safety and food supply. This, in turn, will result negatively in children's learning outcomes with probable deterioration and or reduction in educational achievement. A report released by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on 28 August 2023 stated that the vandalism affected all 104 higher education and scientific research institutions in Khartoum and several other states. Methodology: This commentary relies on reports from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, along with recent journal articles discussing the consequences of ongoing conflicts. Personal observations as staff in universities contribute to the insights, and data from the students and colleges illuminate the struggles faced by them. Results: The war resulted in the widespread destruction of educational infrastructure, leaving more than 600,000 higher education students uncertain about their academic future. The universities started searching for solutions to overcome the catastrophe and find ways to support their students and staff. Conclusions: The conflict in Sudan disproportionately impacts education, causing disruptions in whole educational process in Sudan. Urgent international intervention is needed to cease the conflict and ensure the safety of higher education and scientific research institutions facilities, and support will be needed for the students, higher education staff and researchers.