Sudanese teachers reject new insurance deduction from salaries

January 3, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee on Saturday rejected new deductions from school teachers’ salaries, describing the move as “legalized looting.”

Authorities recently decided to deduct funds from teachers’ pay under the label “Shiekan Insurance.”

The Teachers’ Committee said in a statement it rejects any deduction from salaries and will pursue legal action against any party that infringes upon teachers’ funds.

The committee noted that the transitional government of former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok had previously abolished 13 separate deductions from teacher salaries. Those deductions, which lacked a legal basis or the teachers’ consent, accounted for nearly 30% of their pay. Since then, only health insurance and pension deductions have been in place.

The committee said authorities are now introducing the “Shiekan Insurance” deduction without transparency or prior notice.

It demanded an immediate halt to any deductions under this name until teachers are consulted and terms are clearly presented to guarantee fair coverage.

The committee also called on the teachers’ union, which it says lacks legitimacy, to refrain from signing agreements or speaking on behalf of teachers.

The statement urged teachers to resist the cuts to prevent a return to the 13 previous deductions that heavily burdened them in the past.

Sami al-Baqir, spokesperson for the Sudanese Teachers’ Committee, told Sudan Tribune the Shiekan Insurance deduction amounts to 2,000 pounds ($1.40) from a monthly salary of 70,000 pounds.

He described the move as a warning sign of a return to past practices and said the committee would use all options, including the courts, to protect teachers’ rights.

Sudanese teachers have faced a severe decline in living standards and irregular pay since the outbreak of war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023.