Sudanese university police unit ‘heavy-handed’

Khartoum University students have complained of repeated attacks by the university police, which has been newly formed to replace the campus guards.

The latest attack was on Tuesday against student Ahmed Tareg of the Faculty of Arts who was hit with an electrical cattle prod. Tareg lost his balance, was temporarily paralysed, and had bruises on his chest.

The students have demanded the abolition of University police, restructuring the university guards and condemned the police treatment of students which they described as inappropriate.

The University re-opened on Monday after a four-month closure.

The university police unit was formed in August this year, under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Muzammil Ahmed Mahjoub, following widespread unrest at universities across Sudan.

At the time, Gen Mahjoub told the National Assembly in Khartoum that “the new guard will be armed and authorised to shoot students, according to the rules of the use of force, with the guidance on their application so as not to hurt anyone”.

Strikes

On Wednesday the Environmental Sciences and Geography students announced a strike from study until the dismissed students and the students ' union are returned.

Students of the faculties of Economics, Engineering and Law have organised speeches demanding the return of the dismissed students and students’ union.

Khartoum University Chancellor, Professor Ahmed Mohammed Suleiman, has announced forming a committee of senior professors to engage in dialogue with students and respond to all student initiatives.