Sudan's Liberalization for the Chosen Few

analysis

It almost sounds like another revolution in Sudan: The crime of apostasy scrapped, female genital mutilation banned, alcohol allowed. But what lies behind Khartoum's legal amendments, and who will actually benefit?

Sudan's ruling body, the Sovereign Council, has ratified a law banning the widespread practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). This was only one of several modifications to the country's criminal law. They also include the decriminalization of apostasy, which so far was punishable by death; non-Muslims will be allowed to consume alcohol; and traveling with children will now require the authorization of both sets of parents, and no longer only the father's.

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