The only church in South Morta, in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, has been badly damaged in an arson attack, as conflict and violence continue to escalate in the country.
Anti-persecution watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide have confirmed reports that the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) was set on fire overnight on 6 April 2026, leaving the building with extensive internal and structural damage. Communication with the country is severely hindered by ongoing conflict, which has made it difficult for the charity to receive timely updates.
Kadugli has seen intense violence since war broke out in April 2023. It is a city of strategic significance for both the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
It isn't the first time the church has been under attack; in 2019, some Muslim residents complained about its presence, leading the mayor to initially order its closure. However, after church leaders pointed out that the complainants had two mosques and a religious school, while Christians had only this single church, the mayor allowed the building to remain open. The community had continued to worship peacefully until the latest attack.
Now left without a building, the congregation has continued to meet under trees on the church grounds, and is doing its best to rebuild.
CSW Founder and President Mervyn Thomas described the mountain region as an area with "a long history of exceptional peaceful coexistence".
Sudan has seen a rise in attacks on Christian places of worship since the removal of former President Omar al Bashir in 2019, with churches in Omdurman, Blue Nile, and Gadarfe previously targeted. Most recently, in June 2026, a priest and two church guards were killed in the Nuba Mountains amid ongoing tribal violence.
The destruction of the church comes as the UN has issued a stark warning about the worsening situation in Sudan. UN investigators have reported atrocities “bearing the markers of genocide” in El Fasher, including mass killings, abductions, and gang rapes by the RSF militia.
CSW's Sudan officer, 'Sarah', told Premier Christian News that UK Christians must urge the government to put pressure on the United Arab Emirates, which has quietly backed Sudan's militias.
"We need to keep raising this issue," she urged. "If the UK government sees this as a concern for citizens here, they will be moved to take action".