Uncertain Times for African Students Caught in Lebanon Crisis

The African students in Lebanon are unsure about what to do as tensions rise in the country.

Approximately 90 African students on scholarship at the American University of Beirut (AUB) are grappling with the decision to remain in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict or return to their home countries. This dilemma has been exacerbated by the recent surge in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. The conflict, which intensified following Hamas’s attack on Israel in October of the previous year, has led to near-daily cross-border fire. The past week has been particularly deadly, with up to one million people displaced from their homes.

The situation has become increasingly volatile, especially after a series of explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members, which the group attributed to Israel. These events have heightened fears among African students at AUB. One student expresses concern about the unpredictability of the situation, noting the difficulty in discerning potential threats in everyday interactions. The Mastercard Scholarship Program, which supports many of these students, has been closely monitoring the situation and has offered students the option to complete their degrees online from their home countries. However, this solution presents its own set of challenges.

A 27-year-old student from Northern Uganda pursuing a master’s degree in community development highlights the unreliable internet and power in her home country, making online coursework nearly impossible. Similarly, a student from Cameroon points out the impracticality of completing clinical rotations for her undergraduate radiography degree remotely. The Mastercard Foundation has assured that AUB is maintaining regular communication with the students and has implemented necessary accommodations to ensure academic continuity. The university has offered support for students’ health and well-being, and the academic curriculum remains flexible to account for current disruptions.

Meanwhile, international students wishing to return home are being supported in their efforts to do so. The conflict has garnered significant international attention, with several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Canada, and India, issuing advisories for their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has described the situation as one of the most severe crises in the country’s recent history, with extensive Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa area. For the African students at AUB, the decision to stay or leave is fraught with uncertainty.

Many have taken precautionary measures such as stocking up on essential supplies like bread, pasta, and bottled water in case of shortages. The campus remains closed with several classes transitioning to online formats.