Recent unrest has seen a spike in the abduction and killing of Christians.
bottom“Despite all these challenges, I'll stick to my faith and continue to love and serve Jesus."
– Suryi, Sudanese Believer
The devastating conflict that broke out in April 2023 is threatening to further undermine the positive steps made towards religious freedom following the ousting of Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
The crisis stems from a power struggle between the National Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More than 9,000 people have been killed and nearly 6 million displaced. More than 165 churches have closed, and others have been destroyed. Churches have also reported human rights violations such as sexual violence, kidnapping, and looting.
There are long-term concerns that the conflict will give Islamic extremists a renewed foothold in the country, undoing the reforms made by the transitional civilian government, which gave more freedom to Christians, including abolishing the apostasy law and removing Islam as the state religion.
More immediately, those who convert to Christianity from Muslim backgrounds continue to face huge dangers. Some will even refrain from telling their children about Jesus, for fear they may inadvertently disclose their parents’ faith to the local community.
Women who convert from Islam to Christianity can face huge dangers, including house arrest, forced marriage, divorce, disinheritance, and abuse.
Amidst the ongoing civil war, many Christians have been forced to flee, while those who remain may be forced to take sides in the conflict, putting them further at risk. The levels of pressure and violence faced by Christians who are ethnic Africans or converts from a Muslim background are particularly high.
– For peace in Sudan and provision for Christians who have been displaced.
– For strength and protection for brave believers who risk so much to serve others.
– That the positive steps towards religious freedom will not be undone but built upon.
Open Doors works through local church partners in Sudan to strengthen persecuted Christians through persecution survival training, discipleship training, and economic empowerment projects.
