As the civil war in Sudan escalates, military factions are increasingly targeting places of worship and civilian infrastructure. Reports indicate that soldiers have seized churches and conducted shelling in the region. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a human rights organization based in the United Kingdom, at least 60 people were killed during recent clashes in the city of Darfur. The violence primarily involves the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
In a particularly devastating incident, the RSF shelled the Saudi Hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and injuring another 16. An attack on a mosque claimed an additional 13 lives, with 17 more wounded. These incidents occurred shortly after the RSF occupied Episcopal and Pentecostal churches in the area, which had been providing shelter to many members of the Christian community.
CSW’s CEO, Scot Bower, expressed deep concern over the RSF’s actions, stating, “CSW is deeply concerned by the latest efforts of the RSF to increase pressure on hundreds of thousands of civilians in El Fasher who have already endured almost 18 months of a brutal siege.” He further noted that these attacks on civilian sites may constitute war crimes and added to a long list of atrocities attributed to both the RSF and SAF during the ongoing conflict.
The SAF has also been implicated in civilian casualties. On October 11, 2023, at least 16 people lost their lives in a drone strike in Al-Kuma, a town under RSF control. Local residents report witnessing over 150 air strikes in the region, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Bower urged the international community to act decisively, saying, “We call yet again on the international community to do all it can to end the siege on El Fasher, protect the lives of civilians, and urge all parties to the conflict to initiate an immediate, nationwide ceasefire.”
Sudan has been recognized as one of the most dangerous nations for Christians, ranking as the fifth worst for Christian persecution according to Open Doors. The organization noted that the country is experiencing the largest displacement crisis globally, with nearly nine million people forced to flee their homes since the conflict erupted two years ago.
The ongoing strife has created a perilous environment for Christians, who face increased hostility from both sides of the conflict. “Neither side is sympathetic to Christians, and the conflict has given Islamist extremists more opportunity to target them,” Open Doors stated. The targeting of churches has led to significant destruction, with more than 100 churches damaged throughout the conflict.
Furthermore, Christians are suffering disproportionately during the current hunger crisis, as discrimination prevents them from receiving essential support from local communities. Open Doors emphasized that the situation for Christians in Sudan is dire and calls for urgent attention from the international community to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
