The Nihal European University in Sudan
Planning Commission of the Nihal European University in Sudan (ed.)
Concept for the Foundation of a European University in the African-Arabian Region – The Nihal European University in Sudan (German/English)
Konstanz 2007 (badawi - artes afro arabica)
Number of pages: 119 pages German + 113 pages English • Format: 21 x 14,8 cm (A5) • ISBN 13: 978-3-938828-16-8
Price (till 10/2015): EUR 24.99 (incl. 7% VAT) • Price (from 11/2015): EUR 14.95 (incl. 7% VAT)
Concept – Part B: The State of Affairs in Education
II) Relations between Sudan and Europe
Since Khedive Mohamed Ali invaded the interior of Sudan around 1821, the history of Sudan has been more and more strongly shaped by European history. At the same time there was a growing European interest in the history and culture of the country. This phase was interrupted by the Mahdi rebellion between 1881 and 1898, followed by the final adoption of an Anglo-Egyptian condominium. Sudan did not become independent until the 1st of January 1956. In the area of educational policy however there was a long-standing cooperation between the University of London and the University of Khartoum, under which former sent faculty to administer examinations to the latter.
In all other respects the Sudanese government has found itself slipping into a more isolated position internationally in the last decades. The European Union thus withdrew all development aid following the “Revolution of National Salvation” in 1989. It was not until 2005 that the EU signed onto a strategic developmental pact in support of the North-South peace agreement, making financial assistance available once again. At the same time it re-entered dialogue with the Sudanese government with the goal of normalizing relations.*
* The official representation of the EU on relations with Sudan states:
„As agreed in October 2002, the normalisation of EU-Sudan relations and resumption of co-operation has been tied to progress in the peace process. The EU offers its full support and assistance for the consolidation of a comprehensive peace agreement. It has been agreed to immediately start technical preparation of programmes to be financed once the agreement is signed and co-operation taken up.
The signature of the CPA on 9th January 2005 opened a new chapter in the EU-Sudan relationship. Following almost 15 years of suspended EU cooperation with the Sudan, the signing of the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) with the Sudan, mobilising some 400 M Euros for the period 2005-2007, which took place on 25th January 2005, was a clear message that the international Community is ready to provide ‘peace dividends’ if the process is moving in the right direction. The European Commission has nevertheless insisted on the principle of a gradual resumption of co-operation. In this context, progressive disbursement of funds is linked to effective implementation of the Naivasha peace agreement and the efforts made by the GoS [Government of Sudan] and the other parties concerned to resolve the conflict in Darfur (‘no blanc cheques’). This gradual approach has been subsequently confirmed in the GAERC conclusions of 23rd February 2005.
Provided that the issue of Sudan’s € 73.4 million debt to the European Investment Bank is resolved, support for private sector development and large public investments may become available from co-operation with the Bank and its newly established Investment Facility, along with finance available from the Bank’s own resources. The determination of amounts and conditions for financing will depend on detailed appraisal of every project, on a case-by-case basis applying on sound economic and financial criteria. Such projects could be regional in scope.
Over the period when the formal development assistance to the Sudan could not be implemented, the EU kept on providing substantial humanitarian assistance to the victims of the civil war and natural disasters, according to basic humanitarian principles. Up until 2005, more than 500 M€ have been made available to the population of Sudan in the form of direct relief assistance, including more than 315 million € of ECHO funding and close to 200 million in food aid.“
[http://ec.europa.eu/development/Geographical/RegionsCountries/Countries/Sudan.htm; from: 25.06.2007]