Sudan’s Civil War Deepens Crisis for Christians Amid Rising Persecution
KHARTOUM, Sudan — The ongoing civil war in Sudan has plunged the country’s Christian community into a dire humanitarian and security crisis, with reports indicating that more than 150,000 people have been killed and over 13 million displaced since the conflict began. Sudan now ranks fourth on the Open Doors World Watch List for 2026, a grim indicator of the escalating persecution faced by Christians in the country.
Sudan’s Christian population, estimated at around two million, has endured relentless violence and daily terror, particularly in the Nuba Mountains region of Kordofan, where many of the faithful reside. Rafat Samir, general secretary of the Sudan Evangelical Alliance, described to Fox News the harrowing conditions endured by his community. “The Nuba Mountains now, where the majority of our church members are coming from, is under siege and bombing every day for the last six months or seven months,” he said. Samir further revealed that in the week following Christmas, government forces bombed a church, hospital, and school, devastating vital community infrastructure.
The conflict, which has surpassed 1,000 days, has not only caused widespread displacement but also targeted specific religious minorities. On Christmas Day alone, government forces reportedly killed 11 Christians, underscoring the daily risks faced by those practicing their faith openly. Sudan’s Christians have a long history dating back to the late first century, yet the current war threatens to erase centuries of religious heritage and community life.
The United States Department of State is closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the severe impact of the conflict on religious minorities and civilians. The 2025 Report on International Religious Freedom highlights Sudan’s deteriorating conditions and the urgent need for international attention and humanitarian assistance.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have documented systematic abuses against Christians and other minorities, emphasizing the role of extremist groups and government forces in perpetuating violence. The United Nations has also expressed grave concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs coordinating relief efforts for millions displaced by the fighting.
As Sudan’s civil war continues unabated, the Christian community remains trapped in a cycle of violence and displacement. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene diplomatically and provide aid to stem the suffering of millions caught in the crossfire. Without sustained global attention and action, Sudan risks losing a vital part of its cultural and religious fabric amid the chaos of war.
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