By Althea Mostert – our writing competition winner
21/10/24
Sudan, a nation with a complex history marked by conflict and suffering, is currently grappling with yet another devastating chapter. In April 2019, after nearly three decades of oppressive rule under President Omar al-Bashir, widespread protests erupted, culminating in his ousting.
This pivotal moment inspired hopes for a new democratic era, leading to the formation of a transitional government combining civilian and military leadership, tasked with steering the country towards elections. However, the fragile progress was abruptly halted in October 2021 when General Abdel Fattah Burhan orchestrated a coup, dissolving the government and plunging Sudan into further turmoil.
The situation deteriorated dramatically on 15 April 2023, when war broke out between Burhan’s military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This conflict has escalated into one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern Sudan’s history. The military accused the RSF of illegal mobilisation, while the RSF claimed the military sought absolute power.
Since the war began, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and over 10 million people have been displaced, making Sudan home to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. By September 2024, famine conditions were reported in North Darfur’s Zamzam Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, marking the first global famine declaration since 2017. An alarming 25.6 million people—over half of Sudan’s population—are now experiencing acute hunger, with 755,000 enduring catastrophic conditions across regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Khartoum.
The violence has been exacerbated by ethnically motivated attacks and blockades on humanitarian aid, particularly in North Darfur’s El Fasher.Tragically, the international community has largely overlooked this ongoing crisis, often labelling it as the “forgotten war”.
Amid this devastation, Sudan’s Christian minority, comprising about 5% of the population, faces unique and severe persecution. Both the military and RSF have systematically targeted churches, harassing congregations and killing clergy members. Since the conflict began, 165 churches have been forcibly closed, many repurposed for military use, while reports of priests being shot or stabbed during raids have emerged.
These individuals, who once hoped for greater religious freedom following al-Bashir’s ousting, now find themselves more vulnerable than ever. The collapse of the transitional government dismantled crucial reforms aimed at protecting religious rights, leaving Christians exposed to violence and the pervasive radical Islamic influence that has permeated various aspects of Sudanese society.
Missionary work has all but ceased, with many Christian organisations forced to evacuate for safety. Despite these immense challenges, the Church in Sudan demonstrates remarkable resilience and faith. Even within displacement camps, priests continue to serve and catechise, offering hope to their scattered congregations. Local leaders, battered by war yet steadfast, refuse to let the light of Christ be extinguished. For instance, during the Easter Vigil in Port Sudan, 16 new Christians were baptised, while 34 adults were confirmed in Kosti—small miracles of faith amid the chaos.
Kinga Schierstaedt, head of the Sudan section at the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), highlights the courage of Sudan’s Church: “It is amazing to see how priests use their energy to serve others, even as they endure hardship themselves.” Sudan’s plight offers profound spiritual lessons for the global Christian community. In the face of immense suffering and persecution, Sudanese Christians cling to the promise of Jesus’ words: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Their resilience calls us to action, solidarity, and prayer.
Please join us in prayer:
- Pray for the safety of Sudanese Christians facing persecution. Ask God to provide them with the strength to endure their trials and the courage to continue their faith journey despite the threats.
- Pray for the international community to respond with urgency, and that God would move the hearts of leaders to provide aid and support to the millions suffering from famine.
- Pray for organisations working on the ground to gain access to those in need, enabling them to deliver food, medical supplies, and essential services.
- Pray for a swift end to the violence in Sudan and ask God to soften the hearts of the leaders involved in the conflict, guiding them towards dialogue and reconciliation.
- Pray for the people of Sudan to find peace amidst the chaos.
In the midst of adversity, the unwavering faith of Sudan’s people stands as a beacon of hope. Their courage and perseverance challenge us to reflect on our own faith journeys and respond to their silent cry for help.
