SUDAN COUNTRY PROFILE
Three years on from civil war breaking out, the country is living through the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, 180 which is bordering on “genocide." 181 Since 2023 the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions across the country and claimed more than 150,000 lives 182 — possibly as many as 250,000. 183 Evidence suggests Christians have suffered “disproportionately." 184 The growing persecution of Christians seems to be attributable to authoritarianism and Islamist extremism. 185 In February 2026, the UN said in its Independent International Fact-Finding Mission report that the RSF had committed war crimes and crimes against humanity and that its “conduct, and inferred intent, present indications pointing to genocide." It warned that without decisive measures to advance accountability and protection of civilians, “the risk of further genocidal violence remains acute." 186 More than 100 churches have been damaged or destroyed since the start of the war 187 and a number of Christians have been told to either renounce their faith or face starvation under a campaign of brutal Islamist repression. 188 Christians living under the SAF are also believed to be facing persecution with multiple churches in the Khartoum area demolished without explanation. 189 Examples of church buildings being targeted are legion: in June 2026 authorities told Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church that their church in southern Khartoum’s Mayo Angola area would be demolished. They did give a reason in this instance, alleging the church was built over a road, on land not zoned for religious purposes. 190
SELECTED INCIDENTS
DECEMBER 2025 At least 18 Christians were killed and 18 others seriously wounded after an SAF drone strike in South Kordofan on Christmas Day. Congregation members were making their way to the Episcopal Church of Sudan in Julud when they were hit. 193 JUNE 2026 Fr. Youhanna Al-Amin of St. Vincent’s Church, Kauda was shot dead in his room. He had remained with parishioners in the Nuba Mountains, despite escalating violence. Kauda is the main center of areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-N). The priest was killed when soldiers returned; they had stolen medicines intended for the local people the previous day. 194
JUNE 2025 The RSF launched coordinated airstrikes on the Sudanese Episcopal Church, the African Inland Church, and the Roman Catholic Church in El Fasher, killing at least five people, including Father Luka Jumu hit by a stray bullet. Dozens more were injured. 191 JULY 2025 Christians watched in horror as bulldozers, armed forces, and police arrived at the Pentecostal church in El-Haj Yousif, Khartoum and tore the building down. Those attempting to take footage of the destruction were stopped and church members were unable to save items inside it. Officials later informed church leaders that the demolition was part of an effort to remove “unregulated” buildings throughout Khartoum. 192
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