Christians Attacked After Incitement from Mosque Leaders

Several South Sudanese Christians were attacked in Khartoum after mosque leaders called on their followers to rid their "Muslim area" of Christians. After evening prayers on June 6th, when imams raised the call, the mob attacks ensued. In one incident at a local market the following day, a group of Christians were targeted with batons and rifles. Many were severely injured, including 18-year-old Ariere Sathor. In addition, 16 temporary plastic shelters, where the South Sudanese refugees had been staying, were burned down.

According to one local source, these Christians have been harassed for a long time. Yet their attackers were emboldened to attack after claims were made by the imams that those practising Christianity were infidels, criminals and brewers of alcohol.

On June 20th, a separate attack took place in Omdurman, a populace city located on the west banks of the Nile River, across from the capital of Khartoum. During this incident, a Christian father of four by the name of Mariel Bang was stabbed to death and several other believers were injured. It was reported that the throng of young men responsible for this most recent outbreak of violence kept shouting "Allah Akbar" during their attack. More information on the difficulties facing Christians in Sudan is available here.

Please prayerfully lift up the many who've been injured, asking God to minister His healing upon them both physically and emotionally. Also uphold Mariel's family who are grieving their sudden loss. May the Lord prove Himself mighty on their behalf by providing for their spiritual and practical needs "according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). In addition, pray that His provision and protection will be extended to encompass the above mentioned refugees so each family represented may have a safe place to call home.