Abdallah Baraj, the Secretary General of South Sudan Islamic Council  - Courtesy

The South Sudan Islamic Council has condemned the dissolution of Central Equatoria Islamic Council by the state Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare.

On Monday, Minister Huda Lila dissolved the state Islamic leadership under Mohamad Dishrem and formed a steering committee in its place.

The National Islamic Council has protested the decision – describing it as illegal interference in religious affairs.

Dr. Abdallah Baraj Rwal, the Secretary-General of the council said his religious group is independent from the government like the South Sudan Council of Churches.

“The General Secretariat condemns this illegal decision because the Islamic Council and the Council of Church are religious bodies formed according to the Non-governmental organization that is not affiliated to government institutions,” he said.

Baraj said the state minister has violated the constitution by interfering in religious affairs.

“Therefore the decision taken by the minister of Gender and Social welfare is illegal and it will not be accepted. This decision we consider it as exceeding the powers of the Ministry, unconstitutional and violating the NGO Acts.”

Dr. Baraj further said they have written to the state governor Emmanuel Adil Antony to look into the matter.

He calls on the government to comply with and respect the Nongovernmental Organization Act.

“The Islamic Council is calling on the minister to revoke here illegal decision and to withdraw the security forces deployed at CES Islamic Council premises. We also appeal to the governor of CES Emmanuel Adil Antony to give a directive to the minister for here to respect and coordinate with NGOs for the benefits of our people and stability.”

When contacted for comment, the state Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare Huda Lilya says she was very busy and could not respond.