For most of Western society, the ability to practice one’s own religion without interference from the government is a luxury that is frequently taken for granted. After all, it has been an ingrained right, and indeed the foundation, in which certain countries were built upon. The same could not be said for Sudan, who up till now, was grasped by 30 stringent years of enforced Islamic rule. Now however, non-existent religious boundaries are a dreaded thing of the past for the African country, as Sudan finally separates Church and State after years of advocacy from activists. 

The landmark decision comes after Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and leader of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North rebel group Abdel-Aziz al-Hilu, came together to sign a declaration that establishes secularism nation-wide. This document, which was signed in the capital Addis Ababa, states “For Sudan to become a democratic country where the rights of all citizens are enshrined, the constitution should be based on the principle of ‘separation of religion and state,’” the document went on to express “Sudan is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society.” 

Adding to this already monumental achievement, both sides have agreed to take strides to protect the rights of citizens to self-determine. Leaders from both alliances hope this will help alleviate some of the continuous stress on the Sudanese people, after years of internal conflict among both extremist groups and political strife. Mohammed Ali Fazari, an editor for the Khartoum Today newspaper said of the milestone, “It is considered to be a great step forward because peace efforts are one of the top priorities for the Sudanese government…last night is going to be of the most important successes of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.”

While the future for Sudan is uncertain, it can be almost universally agreed that this recent declaration is a beneficial, much-needed step forward. It is the hope of all that the next accomplishment will continue to further the long and unknown journey towards peace for the resilient country.