The “Save the Children” organization warned today Thursday that the ongoing war in Sudan, lasting nearly three years, has deprived more than 8 million children of education, marking the longest school closure period in the world.
In a statement, the organization said: “More than 8 million children, nearly half of all school-aged children, have spent 484 days without entering a classroom.”
The organization confirmed that this is the longest period of school closures globally, surpassing the number of days schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sudan is suffering from the effects of a three-year war between the Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has left tens of thousands dead, millions displaced, and destroyed the bulk of the health and educational infrastructure.
According to Save the Children, Sudan faces one of the worst education crises in the world, as many schools have closed while others have been damaged in the conflict or are being used as shelters.
The Darfur region, most of which is under the control of the RSF, is considered the hardest hit. In North Darfur State, only 3% of more than 1,100 schools are currently operational.
Last October, the RSF took control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, thereby tightening its grip on the entire region.
Fighting has also spread to the neighboring Kordofan region, which is witnessing a gradual expansion of RSF control; in West Kordofan State, only 15% of schools are currently functioning.
The statement noted that many teachers have left their jobs because salaries have not been paid.
Inger Ashing, the organization’s CEO, warned: “If we do not invest in education, we risk leaving an entire generation captive to a future ruled by conflict rather than opportunity.”
