Fighting between rival military factions in Sudan has escalated, leading to the seizure of churches and increasing civilian casualties. As violence continues in the ongoing civil war, at least 60 people have been killed in the latest clashes in the city of Darfur. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a UK-based human rights organization, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have intensified their assaults on civilian infrastructure, resulting in tragic losses.
The RSF targeted the Saudi Hospital, causing the deaths of at least 13 individuals and injuring another 16. An attack on a mosque resulted in 13 additional fatalities and 17 injuries. This uptick in violence follows a troubling trend, as the RSF occupied Episcopal and Pentecostal churches in the region for military purposes. These locations had been serving as shelters for much of the local Christian population.
Scot Bower, CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, 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 emphasized that the recent attacks on a hospital, a mosque, and an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp may constitute war crimes, adding to a lengthy list of atrocities attributed to the RSF during the ongoing conflict with the SAF.
The SAF has also contributed to civilian suffering, with a drone strike in Al-Kuma, a town controlled by the RSF, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people on October 11, 2023. Local residents report witnessing around 150 airstrikes in the area, heightening fears and instability.
Bower reiterated the urgent need for international intervention: “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.”
According to an Open Doors report, Sudan ranks as the fifth worst country for Christian persecution globally. The nation is grappling with the world’s largest displacement crisis and severe hunger issues, with nearly nine million people forced to flee their homes since the conflict intensified two years ago.
The report underscores that neither faction shows sympathy towards Christians, leaving them vulnerable to extremist violence. Open Doors highlighted that, beyond abductions and killings, churches have been systematically targeted, with over 100 churches damaged in the conflict to date.
Moreover, Christians are facing significant hardships due to social discrimination, which hampers their access to humanitarian aid during the current hunger crisis. The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with the ongoing civil war compounding the suffering of civilians across the region.
