A church in Sudan was attacked during a Christmas prayer service, forcing 177 Christians to flee the building.
The Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) allegedly stormed looted a church, belonging to the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) in Al Hasaheisa, Gezira State.
At least 14 people, including women and children, were assaulted and injured during the attack on 30th December. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), RSF soldiers also threatened to kill all Christians in the area. Fearing for their safety, the congregation has yet to return to the church.
Christians living in RSF-controlled areas have faced ongoing persecution since violence erupted between two government militia groups in April 2023. CSW reports that RSF forces have repeatedly targeted churches and pressured Christians to convert to Islam as part of a systematic campaign.
On 20th December, a Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) airstrike on a church in Al Ezba, Khartoum North, killed 11 people, including eight children.
A 2024 UN report has documented extensive evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the ongoing conflict, which began in the capital, Khartoum. Tens of thousands of people are estimated to have been killed, with violations by both sides including civilian targeting, forced displacement, recruitment of child soldiers, and sexual violence against women and girls.
CSW expressed grave concern over the threats to Christians in Al Hasaheisa, noting that abuses against them have been longstanding but have intensified during the conflict. Mervyn Thomas, CSW's founder and president, stated: “the targeting of places of worship violates both domestic and international law, and, in the context of conflict, international humanitarian law.
“We call on the international community, including the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, to document these attacks thoroughly with a view towards ensuring accountability.”
The charity has called for an immediate ceasefire between the warring parties and for the international to ‘increase efforts to ensure the protection of civilians in Sudan.’
