Head of Khartoum university vows to punish those behind dormitory burning
February 2, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The director of Sudan’s top university expressed anger over incidents of violence and arson on the campus this week and vowed to hold those responsible for it accountable.
Unrest started at the University of Khartoum when anti-riot police entered the campus on Thursday to quell protests planned by students at a graduation ceremony attended by Sudan’s second Vice President Al-Haj Adam Youssef. Police used tear gas creating panic among the families of students who were in attendance.
The next day eyewitnesses said that pro-government elements stormed the dormitories and set it on fire in retaliation to Thursday’s protests and to find those behind it.
The police press office said in a statement the fire was brought under control without loss of life or injuries to students adding that damage to the building and furniture was minimal.
The press release revealed that 27 rooms housing around 132 university students were affected.
Sources told Sudan Tribune that large numbers of students left the dorms on Saturday fearing further attacks from pro-government elements.
The university director Sideeg Hayati said in a statement that anyone who is proven to have played a role in these incidents will be punished and called on students with information to come forward and testify before a committee established to investigate this week’s events.
The Islamists Nationalists student bloc that is loyal to the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) accused unnamed political groups of seeking to disrupt the academic year.
Its political secretary general Al-No’aman Abdel-Halim said that they will not stand with their hands tied behind their backs while watching violations committed against students.
(ST)