Discrimination against non-Muslims was a major reason why South Sudan seceded in 2011
KHARTOUM, Sept 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) –A powerful rebel group in Sudan has signed a declaration of principles with the government – raising hopes that it will eventually sign a peace agreement.
The SPLM-North Abdelaziz al Hilu faction was a notable absentee when other rebel groups signed a peace deal this week.
But the group’s leader Abdelaziz al Hilu carried on talking with the government – and late on Thursday put his signature to a declaration of principles.
He appears to have won a significant concession from the government – the confirmation that the constitution should be based on the separation of religion and state, and in the absence of this the right to self-determination should be respected.
Sharia law was introduced in Sudan in 1983, and ever since the country became independent 60 years ago, non-Muslim minorities have been discriminated against.
This was a major reason why South Sudan seceded in 2011.
In addition, the declaration of principles allows Abdelaziz’s forces to keep their weapons and their capacity to protect the areas they control. — NNN-AGENCIES
