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Sudan was on a path towards religious freedom, but a coup and devastating war dashed these hopes. Christians are once again in danger.
After a year and a half of war, Sudan is now home to the world's largest displacement crisis and the world's largest hunger crisis, with nearly nine million people having been forced to flee their homes. Neither side is sympathetic to Christians, and the conflict has given Islamist extremists more opportunity to target them. More than 100 churches have been damaged so far, and Christians have been abducted and killed. Sudanese Christians who have come to faith from a Muslim background face severe backlash from their families and communities. These believers tend to keep their faith secret, even from their own children.
Christians are also experiencing exceptional hardship in the hunger crisis because local communities discriminate against them and won't give them support. Much of the church in Sudan, which might have been able to help with aid distribution, is on the run.
Christians from Muslim backgrounds face violence, imprisonment, being shunned by their families, and may be forced to flee their homes. In the parts of Sudan where intense fighting is ongoing, all Christians are vulnerable to being targeted and persecuted.
“There are many diseases, we fall sick, we need medicine to cure us and our children. We have so many challenges. I pray that what I say God will hear, and [that He will] see my tears due to this situation and war.”
Alia (pseudonym), a Christian IDP at a displacement camp in southern Sudan
The ongoing war in Sudan has intensified the vulnerability of Sudanese Christians, resulting in a jump of three places on this year's World Watch List. Both sides of the conflict have seen an increase in Islamist extremism. These groups have capitalised on the chaotic security situation, leading to a sharp rise in attacks on Christian communities and churches.
The scope and intensity of pressure on Christians has grown substantially this year, as the civil war has introduced extreme levels of violence and hardship. Churches, Christian buildings, and even private homes belonging to Christians have been forcibly occupied. In addition, violent extremist groups have exploited the deteriorating security environment to systematically target Christians. This places them in constant fear and undermines their access to safe travel, food, and aid, even in areas such as the capital city.
The struggle for survival in Sudan has become even more challenging for Christian communities, who are faced with heightened dangers and diminishing resources.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Sudan to strengthen persecuted Christians through persecution survival training, discipleship training and economic empowerment projects.
Dear Father, please bring peace to Sudan this year. We pray for an end to this terrible conflict. Please protect, comfort and provide for Christians who have no safe place to go and help them build community. We ask for a brighter future for Sudan, where ordinary people will be able to eat and sleep in safety. In Jesus' name, Amen.
