It’s been two years since a vicious struggle broke out between Sudan’s senior generals, plunging the country into a horrifying humanitarian crisis. A contest for control between two men—General al-Burhan and General Hemedti—has spiralled into devastating civil war.
Both warring factions attack places of worship. Churches, Christian shelters, and Bible schools have all been shelled, seized, and occupied as military bases.
Rapid Support Force (RSF) paramilitary forces have subjected civilians, especially Christian women, to sexual violence and forced marriage. A lawless vacuum has emerged in which militia groups feel emboldened to persecute Christians.
Short-lived Hope
In 2019, the ousting of Sudan’s notorious dictator, President al-Bashir, gave Christians in Sudan, and the entire population, high hopes for the future.
Crowds on the streets were singing of religious freedom and equality. A transitional council was created. Civilians sat alongside army chiefs, and the religious police were dissolved. When the death penalty for leaving Islam was abolished, there was joy.
But, behind the scenes, relations between General al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and his civilian colleagues soured. In October 2021, civilian council members were arrested in dawn raids.
General al-Burhan and his deputy General Hemedti—leader of the RSF—disagreed about how Sudan might return to civilian rule. When Hemedti began moving armed units within the country, his former ally and boss saw a threat.
Hostilities exploded and Sudan’s promised future dissolved before peoples’ eyes.
Ceaseless Destruction
Shelling of churches began almost as soon as fighting broke out.
“Despite claims of reform, the Sudanese Armed Forces have demonstrated a willingness to attack Christian places of worship characteristic of the previous al-Bashir regime,” notes Fikiru Mehari*, an Open Doors expert for the region.
Over 150 churches have been destroyed, or severely damaged, since the war began.
Fear of Forced Marriage
The RSF are accused of numerous atrocities against civilians, including sexual assault, and the execution of teens.
In areas under RSF control, the horror of forced marriage via so-called “matchmakers” has been imposed on terrified civilian families.
Matchmakers approach parents to inform them they have just days to prepare a daughter to be married to an RSF fighter.
“The weapon of forced marriage is a practise that devastates Christian families,” says Fikiru Mehari. “Particularly in places like Gezira State, where young women are forced into sexual slavery and pregnancy.”
It’s thought the RSF consider this a means of heightening their control and reinforcing authority in their territories.
Life is now unimaginably difficult for Christians in Sudan.
*Names changed for security purposes.
Pray for Sudan
- For protection of the vulnerable and for strength and divine wisdom for Christian leaders.
- For women and girls suffering sexual violence. Ask for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for all survivors of violence.
- For a future that includes religious freedom for all Sudanese citizens.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
