THE AUGUST 18 KATANGA-UNITY HALL WEEK CONFLICT

Introduction:

The August 18 incident at the university campus sent shockwaves through the academic community, as a vibrant celebration turned into a violent confrontation between students from Katanga (University Hall) and Conti (Unity Hall).

The Hall Week Procession: Unveiling Tradition and Conflict

The hall week celebration at Katanga took an unexpected turn when students, donning traditional warrior costumes, decided to embark on a procession across the campus. The vibrant display of culture and unity quickly escalated when the procession encountered resistance from Unity Hall students near Hall Seven.

Katanga Students Dressed in warrior costume

The Clash Unfolds Stones, Chaos, and Vandalism

Despite heightened security measures, violence erupted as both sides engaged in a stone-throwing confrontation in front of Hall Seven. The peace at the Republic Hall market was disrupted, leaving onlookers in shock and dismay. The clash reached a boiling point when the Katanga students managed to chase the Unity Hall students into their halls.

Unity Hall experienced a temporary blackout during the commotion, further intensifying the tense atmosphere. Damages were inflicted on vehicles, including the hall secretary's car and other parked automobiles at Conti Hall. The gravity of the situation prompted many to wonder why such a violent incident occurred, particularly when previous hall week celebrations had been peaceful.

The Aftermath: Contemplating Consequences

As videos of students pelting stones behind the Impact Building and in front of Africa Hall circulated, the university authorities faced mounting pressure to respond. The damages incurred during the clash raised questions about the safety and feasibility of hosting future hall week celebrations on the academic calendar.

After the incident, the university authority placed a ban on all student gatherings and suspended all JCRCs. Republic and Africa Hall were deeply affected since they had both planned for their day of celebration. Unfortunately, this incident blocked their way. People argued that the university authority should allow them to celebrate since they were the only halls left, and these halls do not engage in such violent activities. The debate continued for days, weeks, and months with the hopes of these halls having a chance, especially Republic Hall, but the hopes died out.

It has been a year, and only the JCRCs have been restored. The SRC President, Master Frank Owusu, petitioned the Council of the University to reconsider the ban on JCRCs, and it yielded positive results. However, students were greatly concerned about banning student gatherings, including morale and processions. Katanga and Unity seem to keep fighting for this ban to be lifted.

In a recent situation where a student attempted suicide but was rescued, students raised the concern that such social gatherings could help curb depression and prevent unforeseen situations. This raised the hopes of students high, anticipating that the ban on student gatherings would be lifted, but to no avail. In the recent letter served to the SRC President by the Council of the University, strict rules were attached to the ban on student gatherings. Find below the letter served: