Virgoe, Roger (University of Khartoum)

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0102 MS 380695
Held at	: School of Oriental and African Studies   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://www.soas.ac.uk/Archives/home.html ›
Full title	: Virgoe, Roger (University of Khartoum)
Date(s)	: Created 1959-1987
Level of description	: Collection (fonds)
Extent	: 4 folders
Name of creator(s)	: Virgoe | Roger | 1932-1996 | historian

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

Roger Virgoe was appointed as Lecturer in History at the University of Khartoum, the Sudan, in July 1961. He remained there until 1964. He and his colleagues were witness to the role of the University in political events in the Sudan, in the 1960s.

By the early 1960s there was considerable opposition to the military government established by the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Army, General Ibrahim Abbud. In the coup d'état of 1958, he had dissolved all political parties and set up the Supreme Council of Armed Forces. The policies of the regime were most fiercely opposed in southern Sudan where, in 1963, a revolt broke out against the imposition of Arab rule led by the Anya Nya (a southern Sudanese guerilla organisation).

In October 1964, students at the University of Khartoum held a meeting - in defiance of a government prohibition - to condemn government action in southern Sudan and denounce the military regime. Demonstrations followed, leading to violent clashes with the police during which one student was killed and several injured. A 'National Front' was formed to oppose the government, led by university staff and professionals. The headquarters of the organisation was based at the University. As disorder spread, Abbud was forced to dissolve the ruling Council and resign his position as Head of State. A transitional government was appointed, and elections were held in 1965 to form a representative government.

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

Correspondence, publications and press cuttings, 1959-1987, collected by Roger Virgoe, relating largely to the University of Khartoum and the political situation in the Sudan in the 1960s. Letters from colleagues and staff at the University describe the lead up to and events of the demonstrations in 1964. Publications include copies of the University of Khartoum Bulletin (1961-1964), reports on educational policy and reform (from 1959), and material relating to Sudanese history and antiquities (including a publication by A. J. Arkell).

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:
English

System of arrangement:

The material has been arranged in sections according to type: correspondence, publications and press cuttings.

Conditions governing access:

Unrestricted.

Conditions governing reproduction:

No publication without written permission. Apply to archivist in the first instance.

Finding aids:

Unpublished handlist.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

Donated in 1998.

Allied Materials

Related material:

The School of Oriental and African Studies holds papers of Anthony John Arkell relating to the Sudan (Ref: MS 210522).

National Register of Archives: Click here to view NRA record

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:

Rules or conventions:

Date(s) of descriptions:
15 May 2000