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Rumbek University Lecturers Released by NSS

“After a brief but intense dialogue, freedom was granted,” said Mathew Malou Mariec, academic registrar at Rumbek University of Science and Technology, as he recounted the release of four lecturers detained by South Sudan’s National Security Service. The lecturers, detained in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, were freed on Wednesday, following negotiations that involved university staff representatives and state authorities, including the acting governor and the state security advisor.

The incident, which swiftly escalated following allegations of inciting student strikes, ended with the lecturers resuming their educational duties. Mariec confirmed the resolution came swiftly after their release, signaling a return to normalcy at the institution as the first semester continues.

Details of the Detention and Release

Makur Awan Maguang, the dean of students’ affairs and one of the detained, denied allegations related to instigating student protests. “We in academia are not for destruction, so that is an allegation,” Maguang told Sudans Post. He emphasized the peaceful nature of their advocacy and expressed relief over their safety during the detention period. “I was very safe without being tortured. Now we are normal, and we are released and out now without condition,” he added.

The release was not just a simple administrative process but involved high-level discussions that underscored the gravity of the situation. Garnop Makur, a member of the academic staff association, expressed gratitude towards the state government and security apparatus for their role in the resolution. He highlighted the vice-chancellor’s pivotal role in advocating for their release.

However, the underlying issues that led to the misunderstanding between the administration and the academic staff remain a topic of concern. “We are still calling for a meeting with administration for dialogue such that we can iron out some of the issues that arose as part of misunderstanding between administration and academic staff association,” Makur stated.

Continuing Dialogue for Institutional Harmony

The importance of continued dialogue was a recurring theme in the discussions following the lecturers’ release. Both parties recognize the need for ongoing communication to prevent future conflicts and ensure the smooth operation of the university. “If we kill ourselves all and we don’t come for a dialogue, we are still finishing ourselves without dialogue,” Makur remarked, emphasizing the destructive potential of unresolved conflicts.

Mariec indicated that the university administration is open to resolving the differences with the academic staff. “Willingly, the university may sit down with academic staff and resolve the differences or misunderstanding which has taken place,” he said, suggesting a proactive approach to fostering a collaborative academic environment.

The swift resolution of the detention incident at Rumbek University of Science and Technology not only highlights the challenges faced by educational institutions in conflict-prone areas but also underscores the critical role of dialogue and understanding in overcoming these challenges. As the university moves forward, the commitment to dialogue remains a beacon of hope for maintaining academic integrity and freedom.

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