4. Sudan
Region
Africa
Christian population
2 028 000 (4,1%)
Main relegion
Islam
Main threats
• Islamic oppression
• Dictatorial paranoia
• Organised corruption and crime
• Clan oppression
Total score
90%
Pressure
88.7%
Violence
96.5%
The situation for Christians in Sudan has long been difficult, but right now the Christian community in Sudan is going through a severe, growing crisis and population displacement. This reality stems from the 2021 military takeover and the brutal civil war that started in 2023. The government reinstated oppressive figures, brought back cruel “morality policies” and is using old Islamic laws to justify forcing people to convert or endure physical punishment. This has completely undone the advances in religious freedom made after the oppressive al-Bashir regime was overthrown in 2021.
Many church buildings have been bombed, taken over and used as bases by militias and radical groups. Christians face intense discrimination everywhere: in courts, the workplace and schools.
Converts from Islam live in constant fear and face intense threats, including social isolation, violence from militias and rejection from their families. Historical Christian communities suffer forced church closures, church-registration denials and even destruction of their buildings. Faith leaders and expatriates increasingly experience arbitrary arrest and detention due to the ongoing conflict.
Please pray
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As the brutal civil war in Sudan continues, ask God to bring about a peaceful resolution and help the Church to be peacemakers in this war.
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Pray that Christians in Sudan could carefully live as salt and light, and show that Jesus’ peace is a better way.
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Pray for the future of the Church in Sudan and wisdom for her leaders. Even if the warring parties reach a peace agreement, neither is favourable towards the Church.