Voice of Peace Radio
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in the Nuba Mountains has reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom, declaring that it accepts all religions and cultures present in the region.
The SPLM-N’s Acting Secretary for Economic and Financial Resources, Walid Ali Khamis, made this declaration during a Christmas service at Saints Peter and Paul Parish.
Mr. Walid addressed concerns that the SPLM-N’s advocacy for secularism might be misunderstood as irreligious.
“We are not an anti-religious body. Secularism simply means that the government should not interfere in religious affairs, and vice versa,” he clarified.
He also pointed out that the Nuba Mountains region has long been marginalized along religious lines, with people’s beliefs often overlooked or suppressed by the northern government.
The SPLM-N insists that secularism would enable all religions to practice freely without state interference.
Mr. Walid revealed a past incident where a Catholic center near Khartoum was seized by the government and converted into a National Congress Party (NCP) center.
He emphasized that in the Nuba Mountains, secularism would guarantee religious freedom and fairness in resource distribution.
“Religion will guide people on spiritual matters, while the government will manage earthly affairs,” he said, stressing the importance of a clear separation of roles.
He concluded with a message of unity and peace, highlighting that true peace begins in our homes. “When people come together, even in their differences, peace is possible,” Mr. Walid said.
He cited the example of local land donations for community projects, noting that the people’s willingness to share for the common good is a symbol of peace in action.