By Alexandra Nyoni
15 April 2023 – “Clashes between Sudan’s main paramilitary group and the armed forces on Saturday (15 April) killed at least 25 people, a doctors’ group said, in an apparent struggle for control amid the country’s halting moves toward elections after a military coup. The Sudanese Doctors’ Union said 183 people were wounded in fighting between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It was unclear whether the victims were civilians.” – Reuters
On 15 April 2023, fighting began between Sudan’s military and the RSF. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF, led by his former deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, previously worked together as they toppled Sudan’s former leader, Omar al-Bashir, in 2019. After the fall of al-Bashir, the two groups were at odds over how the RSF would be integrated into the SAF and who would assume leadership. The tension between the two leaders continued to rise, leading to the current conflict.
Many thought the 15 April violence was an isolated flare up and that the tension would soon subside. However, one year later, more than 12,000 people have been killed, nine million more have been displaced, and 25 million are in need of humanitarian assistance.
28 February 2024 – “Nadifa, her clothing streaked red with dust, passed the paramilitary group who had executed her 16-year-old son shortly after breakfast. ‘Hopefully it is the last time I will see them,’ she said. ‘They beat me too.’ Nadifa was the 212th person that day to make it through the border crossing and into the town of Adré in eastern Chad.” – The Guardian
The civil war has created millions of refugees, many of whom have fled into neighbouring South Sudan and Chad, both of which are ill-equipped to handle such large numbers of refugees. Outside of the capital, Khartoum, much of the violence is happening in Darfur, a region that is no stranger to war and ethnic violence. Both the military and the RSF are accused of violence and human rights abuses, and reports from various areas cite widespread impunity. Tragically, as is often the case, sexual abuse and gender-based violence is reportedly being used as weapons of war. Women are especially vulnerable because ethnic violence carried out by rebel groups often focuses on the killing of men, leaving women in charge of caring for children and families on their own. Of the approximately nine million people that have been displaced, over 6.1 million are internally displaced, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, as well as the largest child displacement crisis, with an estimated three million children displaced. The scale of this refugee crisis is significantly increasing the need for shelter, humanitarian aid, and basic infrastructure throughout the country. However, the damage from the war has crippled the country’s economy, banking system, infrastructure, and communications systems.
1 May 2023 – “As the focus turns to humanitarian and diplomatic efforts, we will continue to do all we can to press for a long-term ceasefire and an immediate end to the violence in Sudan.” – UK foreign minister James Cleverly
At the time of writing, 90% of Sudan’s population is facing emergency levels of hunger and 18 million are classified as acutely food insecure. The latest funding need published by the United Nations in December 2023 announced a need of $506,528,613.
As of January 2024, the relief programme was only 40% funded. Ongoing fighting and attacks on healthcare facilities make it even harder for aid and medical attention to be given to the victims of the violence.
The lack of healthcare available (over 70% of the country’s healthcare facilities are out of service) has led to outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, measles, and malaria. Malnutrition, especially in children, is also rampant, with the rate of malnutrition for every five children being the highest in the world. All of these factors are contributing to the deterioration of conditions for children, pregnant women, and those with long-term health challenges.
5 March 2024 – Despite the ongoing crisis in Sudan, ministries are finding ways to operate. Revivals are happening, people are coming to know Christ, and communities are rallying together to support each other in whatever ways possible. Praise the Lord for his sovereignty in the midst of crisis, war, and desperation.
It’s often difficult to rationalise why God in His all-powerful nature allows such wars to happen. However, it is in these times that we as believers need to remember our ultimate instruction and purpose: to go forth and make disciples, bringing the knowledge of the one true God to those who are in the darkness. The large majority of Sudan’s population (93% according to Joshua Project), is Muslim. While the Church is small, it is not ineffective, even in the midst of war. Friends of INcontext who are familiar with the situation in Sudan are reporting that despite the circumstances, believers remain in community with each other, not forsaking the importance of gathering together (Hebrews 10:25). Jesus told us in Matthew 16:33 that in this world we will face trouble, but we should take heart because He has overcome the world.
Let us join together in prayer with our Sudanese brothers and sisters for the day to come that peace be restored. But until then, let us encourage them, intercede for them, and walk alongside them, trusting and believing that the Lord is working in the midst of the stories of both despair and hope. There is no earthly situation that the Lord Almighty cannot and will not turn for good for the sake of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Please join us in praying for the following:
- For peace to reign in Sudan and for an end to the decades of protracted conflict and violence
- For humanitarian aid to be secured and delivered to those who need it most
- For Sudanese Christians to be encouraged, to remain steadfast, and to focus on the opportunities in front of them to be people of peace within their communities
If you would like to support the work of our friends in Sudan, please contact: jeremiah@incontextinternational.org
Images: REUTERS file photos
