April 22, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – The Nile River State government has denied accusations of forcibly evacuating displaced people from schools.

Officials emphasized that appropriate alternative shelters will be established before relocating residents to ensure a smooth transition.

Concerns arose after reports circulated about authorities planning to remove displaced families from schools to reopen them for the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

According to statistics obtained by {Sudan Tribune}, the state currently operates 288 displacement shelters, including 95 located in schools across Atbara city.

These schools also serve as shelters for displaced people residing in 52 associations and 4 sports clubs.

Approximately 17,000 families have sought refuge in Barbar, many residing in school and association shelters.

Ahmed Hamed Yess, the state’s Minister of Education, assured {Sudan Tribune} that education will continue

The Nile River State government has denied accusations of forcibly evacuating displaced people from schools. Officials emphasized that appropriate alternative shelters will be established before relocating residents to ensure a smooth transition.

Concerns arose after reports circulated about authorities planning to remove displaced families from schools to reopen them for the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year.

According to statistics obtained by {Sudan Tribune}, the state currently operates 288 displacement shelters, including 95 located in schools across Atbara city.

These schools also serve as shelters for displaced people residing in 52 associations and 4 sports clubs.

Approximately 17,000 families have sought refuge in Barbar, many residing in school and association shelters.

Ahmed Hamed Yess, the state’s Minister of Education, assured {Sudan Tribune} that education will continue uninterrupted for the second semester for primary, middle, and secondary school students, both local and displaced.

Preparations for upcoming exams are also underway, with classroom exams for primary and middle school scheduled for May 19th, the primary certificate exam on June 6th, and the intermediate certificate exam on July 1.

Minister Yess acknowledged that some Atbara schools currently house displaced families. He stated that efforts are underway by local authorities to identify suitable alternative shelters.

his includes preparing Village 6 in the Manaseer villages with electricity and providing food baskets to create livable conditions for displaced families upon relocation.

Afaf Taj Al-Sir, Nile River State’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid, previously confirmed in an interview with {Sudan Tribune} that the state has received approximately 1.98 million displaced families due to the conflict. The state currently operates 288 shelters across its six localities.

According to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM), displacement tracking matrix released on February 23rd, Nile River State accounts for 11% of Sudan’s total internally displaced population.

(ST)