By William Madouk
Students of University of Bahr el Ghazal in Wau have staged a peaceful protest over the cut in food ratio on campus.
In a statement obtained by this outlet, students are protesting the administration’s failure to pay a food delivery company, causing a halt in food delivery to learners.
“The administration’s failure to pay debts to the food contractor company Pawak Company has, as a result, stopped Pawak from supplying food to the students for the past two weeks,” partly read the statement.
Bahr el Ghazal University students called on the government to swiftly intervene by clearing debt owed to Pawak firm.
According to the eyewitnesses, the strike led to the closure of the market in Wau town, known as Jou Market, when students trooped carrying placards and chanting, ‘No food, no elections.’
“Students were seen blocking roads near the university and the market,” said the source who chose to remain anonymous.
“The closure of the market has caused disruption to businesses and to residents in the area,” the source added.
That compelled the law enforcement agents to deploy forces at the university and surroundings to ensure the safety of people and property.
However, it remains unclear how long the strike will continue or what action students might take.
Responding to the students’ plea, the deputy governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Zacharia Joseph Garang, urged the students to exercise ‘patience’ to pave the way for an amicable solution.
The university administration, together with state authorities, pledged to provide the food ration for a week as they pursue funding from the Ministry of Higher Education.