The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted education, particularly for high school students in conflict zones.
The politicization of exams reflects broader issues of governance and control in war-torn regions, impacting students' futures.
The international community's response, including the role of the United Nations, may be crucial in ensuring safe conditions for students during the exam period.
If the RSF continues to block students from attending exams, a significant number may be deprived of their educational opportunities, potentially leading to increased unrest.
The situation may prompt international intervention or increased pressure on Sudanese authorities to ensure safe passage for students.
Future educational policies in Sudan may need to address the challenges posed by ongoing conflicts to prevent further disruptions.
In Sudan, high school exams have become a contentious issue amid ongoing conflict, particularly affecting students in Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have barred students in their controlled areas from attending examination centers in safer regions, prompting calls for a ceasefire to ensure safe passage for students. The Sudanese Teachers Committee has urged for temporary safe corridors during the exam period, highlighting the politicization of education in the conflict. The Ministry of Education has arranged for exams to be held in various centers, both domestically and internationally, for the 570,000 students who have been waiting for nearly 19 months to take their secondary school certificate exams, now scheduled to begin on December 28, 2024.
The acting Minister of Education, Ahmed Khalifa, confirmed that 75.5% of registered students are set to participate, with additional arrangements for those affected by the war. However, the RSF has rejected the exam plans, claiming they contribute to the division of Sudan and expressing concerns for the future of the students. The Darfur Bar Association has called for the RSF to allow students to travel safely to exam centers, while many students lack the financial means to do so, facing threats from the RSF if they attempt to leave.
The situation has led to a divide among Sudanese citizens regarding the exams, with some supporting their continuation and others opposing them due to the prevailing conflict. Educational experts have criticized the politicization of the exams, emphasizing the emotional toll on students and families affected by the war.
