Rabat – On Wednesday, July 31, Sudan’s ruling Transitional Military Council has ordered that classes in all schools across the country be suspended indefinitely amid nationwide protests.
The protests have erupted in response to security forces killing four students, aged between 15-17, in El-Obeid city on Monday, July 29, at a rally over the rising costs of living. Hundreds of school children have taken to the streets of Khartoum to demonstrate against the shootings.
“Orders have been given to governors of all states to shut kindergartens, primary and high schools from tomorrow (Wednesday) until further notice,” the official SUNA news agency said, following a directive issued by the ruling military council.
The authorities have also declared a state of emergency in the area and imposed night-time curfew since the shootings.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has released a statement condemning the shootings, and calling on authorities to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“No child should be buried in their school uniform,” read the statement.
“UNICEF calls on all parties to respect the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Sudan Child Act 2010 and refrain from committing grave violations against children, including the recruitment and use of children in armed forces or armed groups.
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