“One of the main reasons that actually separated the country [of] South Sudan was the unwillingness of the previous regime to repeal Sharia law from the country. That would actually have saved the country,” he argued.
Many people from Nuba fear there’s a risk of other parts of the country breaking away, or of ongoing conflict, if Sudan is not able to take religious ideology out of government affairs.
As a government peace adviser, Komey said he brought in experts from Turkey, Nigeria and other countries with large or majority-Islamic populations (but secular constitutions) to meet with members of Sudan’s government.
“That actually opened minds that Sudan, which is majority Muslim, can still go secular without endangering people,” he said.
But in Sudan’s public sphere, secularism remains a provocative and emotional word for ordinary people.
After the revolution, a secular Sudan? @HalimaGikandi reports for our series #SacredNation on religion and nationalism. With support from @HLuceFdn.https://t.co/ZWY5vEirNP
— The World (@TheWorld) July 22, 2021