An education officail says that schools in Raja have reopened after students rioted at the County Education office earlier this month in protest of a shortage of teachers.

Voice of Hope in Wau reported that the Western Bahr El Ghazal Education Minister Michael Madut Chan said Raja schools are now operating normally as they seek to recruit 80 primary and secondary teachers.

The teacher shortage in Raja was caused by a ‘screening’ exercise that resulted in the dismissal of teachers, he explained.

The minister noted that teachers with proper files would be reinstated as the ministry needs more instructors.

He also condemned students’ riot, urging them to learn how to present their demands through peaceful demonstration rather than rioting to destroy limited infrastructures.

Students destroyed windows and furniture during the riot in early September, which was broken up by security forces.

Madut said he expected the new teachers to be appointed and distributed among the state’s three counties, expecting county commissioners to cooperating with the Ministry to arrange accommodation for the teachers.

File photo: Raja County headquarters

Related coverage:

Students protest in Raja over teacher shortage (8 Sept.)

Education minister in Wau says teachers joining army (25 March)