Khartoum, Sudan – A church in Sudan has been attacked by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), marking a significant escalation in religious tensions within the country. The attack, which occurred on December 20, resulted in casualties and the destruction of the church building and nearby civilian homes.

Philemon Hassan Kharata, a pastor at the Baptist church in the Al-Azba area of northern Khartoum, reported that Bakhit Hassan, who was inside the church at the time of the attack, sustained minor injuries. Several civilians were also killed when their homes were bombed.

The attack comes amid an ongoing conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has led to widespread violence and displacement. Since the 2021 coup, Sudan has been in turmoil, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced.

The international community has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan and has called for an end to the violence. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNCHR) has reported that the conflict between the SAF and the RSF has led to widespread human rights abuses, including targeted attacks on civilians.

Sudan's inclusion in the 2024 World Watch List of countries with the highest levels of Christian persecution underscores the severity of the situation. The country has seen a significant increase in religious intolerance and violence since the coup.

A History of Persecution

While Sudan had made progress in promoting religious freedom in the years following the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019, the 2021 coup reversed these gains. The military takeover led to a resurgence of Islamic extremism and a crackdown on dissent.

Christians in Sudan, who make up approximately 4.5% of the population, have faced discrimination and persecution for decades. The country's history of Islamic rule has often marginalized religious minorities.

International Response

The international community has urged the Sudanese government to take immediate steps to protect civilians and promote religious tolerance. Aid organizations have been working to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.

However, the ongoing violence and political instability in Sudan continue to pose significant challenges for humanitarian efforts. As the situation deteriorates, the international community must increase its efforts to bring about a lasting peace in Sudan.