 These refugees fled their homes due to violence. Hundreds of thousands of others may also have to leave Sudan by April 8. Photo: Assist News |
South Sudanese Christians have just a couple of weeks to leave the north or risk mistreatment by the Islamic-majority Sudanese government. Former citizens, known by the Sudanese government as "southerners," were stripped of nationality after South Sudan's January 2011 vote to secede (for more on the secession, click here). They now have until April 8 to leave or establish alien residency, though no residency terms have yet been established. The ultimatum will impact between 500,000 and 700,000 people who are mainly Christians of southern origin that still live in the north.
Sudan amended its laws after the South's independence to say that Sudanese people automatically lose citizenship when they acquire by right or by other means the citizenship of South Sudan. Sudanese people in the north with any parents, grandparents or great grandparents born in South Sudan or belong to any southern ethnic group are considered South Sudan nationals. Some church leaders fear increased persecution of Christians in the north or even forced repatriation for those who may want to stay.
Please pray that Christians in Sudan will be guided by the Lord during this difficult time. Pray that the government will cease in its strategy to persecute Christians remaining in the north. Pray that, in all things, Christians in Sudan and South Sudan will remain steadfast in their faith (1 Peter 5:8-10).
For more information on persecution in Sudan, visit the Sudan Country Report.
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