Fight Continues Over Eviction of Islamic

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001557 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM SCUL SU SUBJECT: Fight Continues Over Eviction of Islamic University in Juba ¶1. SUMMARY: The dispute over the eviction of the branch of the Koran Al Karim Islamic University from the premises of former Juba Girl's Senior Secondary School in Juba continues as both the government of Central Equatorial State (CES) and the administration of the Koran Al Karim Islamic University adamantly claim ownership of the institution. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS),Government of National Unity (GNU),and the GoSS Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are mediating to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, GoSS President Kiir has suspended the CES-ordered eviction of the Islamic University. End Summary. -------------- Changing Times, Changing Uses -------------- ¶2. The Islamic government of President Gen. Ibrahim Abboud established the Islamic Institute in Juba, and several others throughout Southern Sudan, in the 1950s. After the revolt of Torit in August 1955, the institute began to decline and was closed in 1964. After the Addis Ababa Agreement of 1972, the Regional High Executive Council of Southern Sudan created the Juba Girls Senior Secondary School on the grounds of the Islamic Institute. In 2002, the Government of Sudan reclaimed the campus and established a branch of Koran Al Karim Islamic University. Students of Juba Girls' School were transferred to the Abu Diya Girls' School. ¶3. On April 19, 2006 the CES attorney general ordered the eviction of Koran Al Karim Islamic University from the former Juba Girl's Senior Secondary School. The police initially delayed the execution of the order because the students were taking their examinations, but after examinations were completed on May 30, the police took control of the administration buildings and the lecture halls. The university and its students were allowed to keep the dormitories until final arrangements could be made. Later that day, GoSS President Kiir issued a decreed from Khartoum suspending the eviction order until his return to Juba. Comment -------------- ¶4. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS),Government of National Unity (GNU),and the GoSS Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are currently all working to resolve this dispute and the eviction order remains suspended. The legal issues in this case are clouded by some strong emotions, as most southerners are suspicious of Islam, and do not want to see the continuation of institutions established by their northern oppressors. HUME