Government Challenged on Use of Religion in State Functions
By Malith Alier, Juba, South Sudan
October 4, 2015 (SSB) — In the old Sudan the state and religion were inseparable. The minority clique regime in Khartoum used religion to suppress people and protect themselves from those who wanted to participate in the government on the highest level.
The saying was that an infidel couldn’t rule over believers. Believers in this case are Muslims and nonbelievers are non-Muslims also known as infidels (Kafir).
To avert this scenario the government of South Sudan after CPA and subsequent independence inserted into the Transitional Constitution a clause meant to separate state and religion.
This can be found in Part one Article 8, (1) and (2). Thus it goes;
8 (1) Religion and state shall be separate.
(2) All religions shall be treated equally and religion or religious beliefs shall not be used for divisive purposes. You can also read related Part two Article 23 (a) to (i) of the constitution on religious rights.
This author is not a lawyer by profession however; it is not difficult to read that the state and religion in this country are not separate.
On many state functions, religious leaders are requested to open events with prayers. Two religions are selected always – Christianity and Islam.
If all religions are to be treated equally then why choose the two dominant religions as above? It is discriminatory to other religions including traditional ones in South Sudan.
About a week ago, the National parliament or NLA organised a breakfast prayer for peace. The speaker of NLA who is the top lawmaker was heart calling ministries of finance and Public Service to recruit chaplains to guide their activities through religion.
He contended that the two ministries have very important work related to people and livelihood. He also revealed that parliament has a chaplain. You can see how religion is creeping on to state affairs on the invitation of the state.
It is not only that; the Transitional Constitution is awash with other clauses often swept under the carpet when it comes to interpretation and implementation.
The religious citation above is just a tip of iceberg. This author calls for legal people in this country to study the constitution and compile articles that are not appropriately interpreted before this practice spills over to the upcoming permanent constitution.
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