Learners in six SPLM-IO strongholds finally began their Primary Eight examinations on Monday morning after leadership of the opposition had an agreement with the ministry of education over the matter.

The deadlock was broken when the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the National Examination Council and the SPLM-IO leadership resolved the insecurity concerns that had hampered administration of exams in the six areas.

“I therefore take this opportunity to inform the candidates, parents and the general public that we transported examination consignment to the said locations this morning,” Acuil said on Saturday, February 13.

On February 4, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction Awut Deng Acuil announced on a press release that her office and the National Examination Council were alerted about possibility of examinations threats in most of the SPLM-IO bases in some parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile states.

The announcement led to the cancellation of the examination in Nasiri, Akobo, Fangak, Nyirol, Ayod, Longochuk. Tonj also had an uncertainty over the emergence of violence that forced the government to impose a curfew.

She also said the administration of the examinations would start on Monday, February 15and end on Friday, February 19, 2021.

“I would like to appreciate all those who have been involved in finding and harmonising solutions to the challenges that blocked children in these areas from participating in the initial examinations,” she said.

 First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny directed authorities in the areas where the examinations would take place to co-operate and provide security for the examinees, teachers and secure the examination process.

He emphasised that the ministry of education should make sure that all children in the country do the examined.