12/13/2019 Sudan (International Christian Concern) – Sudan’s transitional Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok met with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom on December 5 and discussed religious freedom in the country.
Hamdok’s arrival and meeting with U.S. officials was the first time in three decades that a Sudanese government leader has done so. For several years Sudan has been listed on the State Department’s countries of particular concern list. The country under al-Bahsir’s leading also was widely criticized for its religious freedom and human rights abuses.
According to a U.S. Commissioner, Johnnie Moore, told Christian Post a major goal is to update Sudan’s laws on apostasy and blasphemy within the next two months. Moore reflected very positively on the meeting say that it was “truly amazing. Prime Minister Hamdok is a transformative figure”.
With only three months in his current position as Prime Minister, Hamdok has made significant symbolic steps and offers. A law was reportedly repealed that dealt with religious-based enforcement by officers. The government also reportedly has met with churches who had their lands confiscated and has promised restitution. Others are concerned about how the positive changes and promises will varyingly effect different ethnic and religious groups. It is still early in the transitional government and time will reveal how serious these Sudanese leaders are about religious freedom and protecting their Christian citizens.
