Unlawful Detainment of Church Leaders

Together with fellow Sudan Church of Christ leader, Rev. Hassan Taour, and a Christian convert from Darfur identified as Abdulmonem Abdumawla, the newly jailed pastor is expected to face serious charges including espionage and undermining state security. Rev. Kuwa, who serves as the church's head of missions, was first detained for three days on December 18th. He later had to report daily to the NISS for long periods of time. For no obvious reason, the routine was lifted in mid-January but then re-imposed a month later. (To review a previously posted report, go to this page.)

This is not the first time Khartoum has detained Christians unlawfully, failing to prove beforehand the serious charges brought against them later in the courts. In the summer of 2015, Khartoum officials released two South Sudanese pastors who were accused of "spying." More details on this case are available here.

According to the 2016 Open Doors' World Watch List, Sudan is ranked 8th in a list of 50 countries where Christians are under the most pressure. The predominantly Muslim country has a rating of "extreme" and, for the past two years, has remained among the top 10 offenders. For additional information on persecution in Sudan, visit our Sudan Country Report.

Please intercede for these incarcerated Christians in Sudan, praying that they will remain strong in their faith -- not wavering in their courageous stand -- during this time of trial. May the Lord deliver them, granting even greater opportunities to spread the good news of His unfailing love and salvation in this spiritually oppressed part of the world. To God be the praise and glory for what He is going to accomplish through the lives and witness of these faithful believers.