Somalia offers scholarships to students from conflict-hit Sudan

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Through the Ministry of Education, the federal government of Somalia has issued scholarships to dozens of students from Sudan, giving them a second chance to pursue education within the country.

Most beneficiaries are affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which left thousands of people displaced from their homes. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) is fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary wing that was powerful during the Omar al-Bashir era.

A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Education says the program aims to provide access to education to several displaced students who have been denied opportunities to pursue their studies in the northern African country.

The statement adds that the scholarships are part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for students whose studies have been disrupted by the conflict in Sudan. Somalia takes this as an obligation to promote regional integration.

“This initiative enhances educational opportunities for the displaced and promotes regional cooperation, underscoring Somalia’s dedication to access to education for vulnerable groups,” the Ministry’s statement read.

Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes in Sudan with SAF and RSF fighting for the control of the country. The country plunged into chaos following the civilian uprising in 2018 which necessitated the ouster of al-Bashir.

The scholarship program is expected to cover various academic fields, allowing Sudanese students to enroll in Somali universities and colleges. Somalia itself is grappling with conflicts, including terrorism in which Al-Shabaab wants to overthrow the government.

In Sudan, there have been deliberate efforts to persuade the military leadership to quit in favour of civilian rule but such talks are yet to bear fruits. Somalia is a member of the Arab League of Nations and is indebted to helping sisterly nations during crises.

GAROWE ONLINE