Sudan is a country in Northeast Africa. It is Africa's third-largest country by area, with a geography varying from sandy desert to tropical forest. In 1956 Sudan became an independent state. It is one of the most corrupt nations in the world and is rated the fifth hungriest nation in the world. There are about 578 Sudanese ethnic groups with many different dialects and languages. On October 25, 2021, the military element of the civilian -military coalition that governed Sudan seized full control of the country. An armed conflict between rival factions of the military government of began on April 15th, 2023. The country's new war threatens to be worse than those in Syria or Yemen.
Country Stats
Capital City: Khartoum
Government: Federal republic under a military junta
Major People Groups: 70% Sudanese Arab, 5.5% Beja, 2.5% Nuba, 2% Fur, 1.2% Egyptian, 1% Hausa, 0.5% Fulani, 17.3% other
Population: 47,958,856
Religion: 91.7% Islam, 4.5% Christian, 2.8% traditional, 1% Other
Government: Federal republic under a military junta
Major People Groups: 70% Sudanese Arab, 5.5% Beja, 2.5% Nuba, 2% Fur, 1.2% Egyptian, 1% Hausa, 0.5% Fulani, 17.3% other
Population: 47,958,856
Religion: 91.7% Islam, 4.5% Christian, 2.8% traditional, 1% Other
There are no real protections in place for Christians in Sudan. In areas outside the capital, Khartoum, Christians are vulnerable to extreme persecution from both their communities and their own families. Converts from Islam may face imprisonment and violence. The current conflict will only make a terrible situation harder for Christians. There are fears that Sudan will return to authoritarian rule – which could also mean that the death penalty for leaving Islam, which was abolished in 2021, could be reinstated.
How to Pray
- Pray for the provision of food and medical aid for all those in need, and for the safety of all people.
- Pray that Christians will unite and grow in faith during this time, and that God will use them as instruments of peace.
- Please pray for peace to prevail in Sudan and that God will establish rulers who enforce human rights.
- Pray that many will come to faith through the faithful witness of courageous Sudanese believers.
