Sudan’s president, Omar al-Bashir, has stated repeatedly that following South Sudan’s 2011 secession, Sudan – 97% of which is Muslim – would become an Islamic state with a new shari’a-based constitution. This constitution is currently being drafted, in an opaque and non-inclusive manner.
Following the secession, religious minorities have experienced hardship, hostility and isolation. Not only are Christians often obstructed from practising their faith, they can also face harassment and even persecution for doing so. Converts from Islam are particularly vulnerable to societal and state pressure. Both blasphemy and apostasy are illegal, with the latter carrying the death penalty.
