Over 40 S. Sudanese students stranded in Ethiopia
July 19, 2015 (TORIT) – At least 48 students hailing from South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state are stranded in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa after allegedly being neglected by their government.
One of the students, Michael Achu, said they were living in an open space near Huwasa University College, but lacked food for survival.
“We are really suffering, no food and anything to help us here, we have to go out begging for cash to help us push for a day from friends as we wait for what our government may decide,” he said.
A graduate of education, Achu accused Eastern Equatoria state government of largely ignoring their demands by failing to provide the incentives given to other students studying across the continent.
Current conditions, he said, may force students to storm the South Sudanese embassy in Addis Ababa in quest for immediate solutions.
STUDENTS DETAIN OFFICIAL
Meanwhile, a state education official dispatched to look into the contentious matter has reportedly been detained by angry students.
Joseph Abuni, the state director for quality education, was sent to inform students about the limited funds to facilitate their home return.
“I can’t fly back to the country until the state government has reacted positively toward the desperate state of the students. My security remains at stake,” Abuni said Sunday.
William Keri, a parent to one of the stranded students, expressed his disappointment state government’s failure to provide any assistance inform to his son, contrary to what other states in the country offered.
He said he was unable to buy an air ticket that would have enabled his son, who is currently stranded in the Ethiopian capital, return home.
“Am getting only 250SSP [$40] per month. How will I bring my son back up to Torit given the state in which our country is going?” asked Keri.
Government officials have remained silent on the matter, despite pressure from parents.
(ST)