Amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan, a group of over 100 Sudanese men, women and children travelled to the city of Shendi on the banks of the Nile River in search of refuge from the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group, RSF. There, the refugees – most of whom are members of the Sudanese Church of Christ – sought shelter in an affiliated church building.
Unfortunately, transferring to this location did not protect the displaced individuals from harassment, as military intelligence officers soon entered the church building to interrogate the refugees. Between October 6th and 11th, all the men over 18 years of age were detained for questioning and accused of being associated with the RSF. Of the 26 men who were taken into custody, 14 were released a few days later. At last report, 12 of the refugees presently remain in detention. To date, these men have not been allowed any visits from their families, nor have they been formally charged with any crimes. They are presently being held by the Almudada Unit of Military Intelligence – a group of officers who are notorious for their use of violence and torture against detainees.
With deteriorating conditions in Sudan, the situation for those displaced by the violence is deeply concerning. Christians in the country have encountered opposition from both the government and rebel groups. Recently, believers in the village of Al Thora Mobe in Gezira State were forced to convert to Islam by the RSF paramilitary group presently controlling the area. For more reports outlining the difficulties facing Christians in Sudan, go to our country profile.
Pray that the refugees remaining in the custody of the Sudanese military will soon be safely released and allowed to return to their families. Ask God to meet the practical and spiritual needs of these displaced families, provide them a safe place to live, and pour out His love, hope and strength upon each one. Continue to prayerfully remember the people of Sudan who are enduring the ongoing suffering of civil war, praying for an end to the devastating conflict.
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