Sudanese University Staff Face Budget Stalemate Amidst Strike Plans
Khartoum, Sudan – March 25, 2026 – A significant financial allocation aimed at enhancing the working conditions of employees within Sudan’s state-run higher education institutions has been met with staunch opposition from a key faculty body. The Sudanese government has earmarked 21 billion Sudanese pounds for the 2026 budget to address these long-standing issues. However, the Sudanese University Professors Committee (LAJSO) has rejected this funding outright, asserting that it fails to tackle the fundamental problem.
The core of LAJSO’s demand lies in the formal approval and implementation of a specific salary structure and service terms that were recommended by a cabinet technical committee back in 2023. This proposed framework, according to the committee, is crucial for restoring dignity and financial stability to university staff.
The rejection highlights a deepening crisis within the Sudanese academic sector, where university employees have endured a severe deterioration of their living standards. This decline is largely attributed to the precipitous fall in the value of the Sudanese pound and rampant inflation, exacerbated by the nation’s protracted conflict. Many university personnel have reported experiencing prolonged periods without receiving their salaries or benefits, or facing significant delays in payments.
Government’s Perspective on the Allocated Funds
The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ahmed Mudawi Musa, announced on Wednesday that the Ministry of Finance had indeed approved the substantial allocation. He explained that the funds are intended to facilitate improvements in service terms, support training initiatives, and cover operational costs within higher education institutions.
Minister Musa further elaborated that these funds are designated to be deposited directly into university accounts. The objective, he stated, is to provide much-needed support to academic staff, teaching assistants, and all other personnel contributing to the educational ecosystem. He emphasized that the nation’s leadership acknowledges the indispensable role of university professors as a cornerstone of national development and progress.
Professors’ Committee’s Stance and Impending Strike
Despite the government’s assurances and the significant budgetary provision, the LAJSO remains firm in its position. The committee has articulated that any salary increase that does not involve the formal adoption of the 2023 salary structure and service regulations is merely a superficial attempt to sidestep the root cause of the employees’ grievances.
LAJSO has, however, indicated a willingness to engage in negotiations regarding a phased implementation of the proposed salary structure. This flexibility stems from an understanding of the country’s current challenging economic circumstances. Nevertheless, the committee has unequivocally confirmed its intention to proceed with a comprehensive strike across all state higher education institutions, commencing on Sunday.
This impending industrial action signals a critical juncture for Sudan’s higher education sector, potentially disrupting academic activities and further compounding the challenges faced by students and faculty alike. The standoff underscores the urgent need for a sustainable and equitable solution that addresses the financial precarity of university staff and ensures the continued functioning of vital educational institutions.
