Widespread Educational Disruption
The ongoing war in Sudan has deprived three-quarters of school-age children of education, according to a report released Thursday by Save the Children. Fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023 and quickly divided the country into rival zones of control.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced more than 13 million people, and devastated civilian infrastructure. The Africa Times reports that this destruction has created one of the most severe education crises worldwide.
Alarming Scale of School Closures
Save the Children stated that 13 million of Sudan’s 17 million school-age children are currently out of school. Over half of all schools remain closed, while one in ten has been converted into shelters for displaced families.
The organization warned that Sudan now faces one of the worst education emergencies globally, with learning opportunities collapsing across most regions.
Humanitarian Crisis Compounds the Threat
Sudan is also enduring one of the world’s most severe hunger and displacement crises. Overcrowded camps, especially in the west, struggle with famine, cholera outbreaks, and the near-total absence of healthcare and basic services.
Mohamed Abdel Latif, Save the Children’s director in Sudan, stressed that neglecting education during a crisis will have lasting consequences. He warned that children are losing critical years they can never recover, with some likely never learning to read or write.
Long-Term Risks for a Lost Generation
Abdel Latif cautioned that if the conflict continues, millions of children may never return to school. He noted this could expose them to grave short- and long-term risks, including displacement, recruitment into armed groups, and sexual violence.
Fragile Calm in Parts of the Country
While parts of central and northern Sudan have seen relative calm since May, when the army pushed RSF fighters out of several cities, the broader situation remains dire.
According to the United Nations, more than two million displaced people have returned to their towns since the start of the year. Yet infrastructure remains shattered, with schools and hospitals closed and power outages frequent.
Small Gains Amid Massive Setbacks
Save the Children reported that about four million children have recently resumed education. However, the vast majority remain out of school due to mass displacement, teacher shortages, lack of learning materials, and movement restrictions caused by ongoing violence.
