Al-Jazirah University looted by RSF elements : local groups

January 3, 2024 (WAD MADANI) – Al-Jazirah University, a renowned Sudanese institution of higher learning, has been ransacked and robbed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in a series of violations that have plagued Gezira State since the RSF seized control on December 18th.

The Madani City Resistance Committees, a coalition of neighbourhood groups that played a pivotal role in the revolution against the former regime, issued a statement condemning the RSF’s actions, stating that the paramilitary force, in its ongoing campaign to dismantle the state’s infrastructure, had targeted Gezira University.

The statement detailed the extent of the damage, revealing that the RSF had broken into and looted the university administration offices, academic affairs departments, student affairs divisions, and all relevant deanships. The statement also accused the RSF of ransacking the university’s savings bank and branches, its farm, and the International Hall (Al-Razi).

Furthermore, the statement documented the looting of professors’ homes in the Nashishiba neighbourhood,  Hantoub, and Abu Haraz areas, as well as the outright destruction of institutions affiliated with the university in Wad Medani that served the community.

The resistance committees squarely placed the blame for the looting and destruction at the doorstep of the RSF, despite denials from the force’s commander.

Earlier reports from residents of Madani and neighbouring towns corroborated the RSF’s involvement in the looting of their homes and the intimidation they faced.

Residents recounted how RSF commanders, when approached to prevent further violations, had demanded the recruitment of young men in exchange for their protection.

(ST)