Source: www.persecution.org
Date: April 24, 2023
Sudan (International Christian Concern) – Amid the escalating violence currently wracking Sudan, Catholic leaders from both Sudan and South Sudan have called for a cessation of hostilities and for dialogue between rival groups in order to stop the loss of life and preserve unity in the nation.
Their pleas came several days after the fighting broke out between the military units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support (RSF) headed by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The Catholic bishops released a statement saying, “We call for an end to the fighting and revert to dialogue in order to preserve the unity of the country and not to further the suffering of the people.”
They expressed sympathy towards people who have already lost their lives as well as those suffering from the destruction of property amidst the violence. The statement continued, “The majority of people in Sudan are suffering and they are yearning for peace.”
After regularly being included among the worst countries in the world when it comes to Christian persecution, Sudan was removed from the U.S. State Department’s list of “countries of particular concern” in December 2019. The “CPC” list designates nations that tolerate or engage in egregious violations of religious freedom.
However, advances in religious freedom lasted for only two years in Sudan until a military coup in October 2021.
The coup brought back fears of repression and harsh implementation of Islamic law, as an Islamist “deep state” rooted in former President al-Bashir’s 30 years of power remains influential. The recent violence follows weeks of rising tensions between the two forces over security force reform during negotiations for a new transitional government.
Please join ICC in praying for those suffering from the violence in Sudan.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for peace between the feuding groups. Pray for protection for those vulnerable to violence in this region. Pray for provision for those who have lost property.