Gov’t failed to reopen Dr. John Garang University, students back on the street in protest.

Students at the Dr. John Garang University of Science and Technology in Bor town, Jonglei State’s capital, began their demonstrations this morning, calling for the institution’s reopening.

Two weeks earlier, students staged similar rallies in the institution’s immediate vicinity, pleading with the government to provide the resources necessary to restore the campus following a year-long shutdown due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, the demonstrations were called off later, with the striking group threatening to continue if their demands were not satisfied promptly.

“Last month, we demonstrated but were forced to withdraw our protest after being assured that our university would be reopened. However, we have seen nothing positive. Thus, we are back on the road to demand the reopening of our university,” a university student, Malong Riak, stated in a Radio Tamazuj broadcast while picketing.

Pakuau road, the lifeblood linking Bor airport and the capital, Juba, to the rest of Bor town, remained closed until today afternoon, affecting traffic and business.

Alier Gai Another demonstrator, John, questioned why the educational facility remained closed.

“Other universities have reopened throughout the nation. Why are we unable to enter? We were assured that food would be sent and the institution would reopen, but this was all misinformation. As a result, we closed this route today since it serves the whole nation and we want the authorities to be aware of our concerns,” Alier explained.

Students have warned that demonstrations would continue unless the government and university leaders respond to their appeals.

Dr. Akim Ajith, the university’s spokeswoman, stated that attempts are being made to resolve the protesting students’ concerns.