Cablegate: Fight Continues Over Eviction of Islamic

VZCZCXRO7339
RR RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #1557 1840654
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 030654Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3514
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE

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.

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Changing Times, Changing Uses
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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
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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

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