SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: AP- Sudan moves to criminalize female genital mutilation

2/5/2020: AP- Sudan moves to criminalize female genital mutilation, by Samy Magdy

 AP suggest that it is unclear whether Sudan’s military leaders will approve the criminalisation of FGM, “which could spark a backlash by powerful Islamist groups that backed [former President Omar] al-Bashir.”

 AP note that rights groups warn that the practice remains deeply entrenched in the conservative society and that enforcement could face obstacles, despite the provinces of El-Gedarif and South Kordofan outlawing FGM.

 Dalia al-Roubi, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, said the government hopes to convene a meeting with the Sovereign Council soon to ratify the law. Sovereign Council member Rajaa Nicola said it has yet to be scheduled.

 Nahid Gabrellah, director of the Seema center for women’s rights, said that more efforts were needed to raise awareness.