Sudan Ends Islamic law by separating religion and state

After over 30 years, the Sudanese transitional government and rebel groups have agreed upon a deal to get rid of Islamic law over the country. This is a monumental moment for the citizens of Sudan, because now they no longer can be discriminated against for their beliefs.    

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok sat down with multiple rebel coalitions to find peace and to look towards the future. The official accord says, “ The state shall not establish an official religion. No citizen shall be discriminated against based on their religion.” According to the Sudanese transitional government one of the goals of this agreement is for Sudan to become more democrative, and for all citizens to have rights. 

The biggest result to come out of this though was religious discrimination coming to an end. For the past 30 years, islamic groups have had control over a large portion of the country. The transitional government wants to break away from these old standards and usher in a new way of running the country. Because of these islamic groups, discrimination became one of the biggest problems in Sudan. People who did not follow these beliefs were treated as the lowest of the low and cast aside. 

The root of these problems was the Shari’ah Law implemented by Omar Al-Bashir. According to the Washington Post, Al- Bashir came into power thirty years ago during a military coup that ousted the government, and because of this he had control over everything. After this he, and the main islamic movement, implemented the strict laws.  Some strict laws include a complete ban on alcohol, severe punishments for minor crimes, censorship, and much more. With Al-Bashir being ousted this past April though it seemed like a perfect time for change. 

The accord is a massive step in the right direction for Sudan. It is one that will free many citizens from 30 years of fear and terror and have them look forward to a new future.