Tensions had been brewing for years after the removal of a dictatorial leader, a stalled transition to a civilian-led government and several other factors. Then the fighting in Sudan erupted on April 15.
One of our sources on the ground sent us this report: “Over 400 people have been killed … Bombs are falling like rain on buildings. Aid workers and diplomats have been targeted. It is not safe at this moment.”
Sadly, persecuted Christians in Sudan have not been immune. Our contact confirmed that two houses of worship have already been destroyed. And historically speaking, rebuilding comes with significant risks. Here are a few examples:
• One church near the capital city of Khartoum was attacked four times between 2019 and 2021; ultimately, arsonists burned it. During reconstruction, local Muslim extremists repeatedly threatened the members of the church.
• Sudanese arsonists also burned a house of worship in Gezira state in early 2021.
The U.S. Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom reports that extremists aren’t the only problem. Local government officials have also harassed persecuted Christians in Sudan in an effort to stop churches from regrouping after attacks. (At only 5% of the total population, Christians are far outnumbered by other religious groups.)
Last week, as world leaders expressed concerns that the situation could escalate to a civil war, evacuations from Sudan were underway—but many U.S. citizens remained trapped in their homes. And despite regional and international calls for a cease fire in Sudan, the conflict continues.
To learn more about the conflict in Sudan and how believers can prayerfully respond, read the exclusive story on the Global Christian Relief prayer app.
About The Author
Tim Dustin is a staff writer at Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the persecuted church. To learn more, visit GlobalChristianRelief.org.
