A number of primary school pupils in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State, have been prevented from sitting their Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) due to insecurity and the destruction of key infrastructure.
The national exams began on Monday, with over 84,000 pupils registered to sit for the Certificate of Primary Education across the country.
However, in Mundri East, community sources told Radio Tamazuj that insecurity, harassment, and destroyed bridges have stopped children from reaching their exam centres.
According to local residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, the situation has severely impacted attendance. In the area of Lakamadi, 29 pupils were registered to take the exams in Mundri town, but only 19 arrived. In another location, Tegye, only 11 of 18 registered pupils made it to the centre.
One community member, Nyanrago Gune, told Radio Tamazuj that four pupils, including a girl named Mary, had been killed in recent violence. She said other families had fled into the bush due to threats and intimidation, which she alleged were carried out by SSPDF personnel.
“Near Faragusika, a school has been closed due to insecurity. None of the pupils there will sit for the PLE this year,” Ms Gune added.
The county commissioner, John Henry Ngalamu, confirmed that displaced pupils in several areas were facing challenges. He stated that bridges connecting the areas of Amadi, Kediba, and Lakamadi had been destroyed by rebels, limiting access.
“About 77 pupils are expected to sit for exams, but many have already missed the opportunity due to insecurity,” Mr Ngalamu said.
He also addressed reports that humanitarian organisations had been blocked from conducting an assessment in the area, denying he had refused them access.
“I did not refuse humanitarian partners from going to the area, but the destroyed bridge, heavy rain, and poor road conditions made it too risky,” he explained.
The situation has drawn concern from civil society groups.
Activist Odette Miwai called for government intervention to provide safety and stability so that pupils can access education “with peace of mind.”
Radio Tamazuj attempted to contact the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and the police in Western Equatoria State for comment, but was unsuccessful.
The area of greater Mundri have recently witnesses clashes between the army and a combined force of the rebel National Salvation Front (NAS) and the SPLA-IO.