In Sudan, at least seven Christians are facing torture and false accusations, highlighting the ongoing persecution of religious minorities amid civil unrest. Seven Christians were detained and allegedly tortured by intelligence agents northeast of Khartoum. The Christians were falsely accused of supporting paramilitary groups. How does Sudan’s unrest affect Christians over time?
Christians Targeted Amidst Sudan’s Civil Unrest
According to recent reports, there has been an alarming increase in the persecution of Christians in Sudan. Intelligence agents northeast of Khartoum have arrested and reportedly tortured at least seven members of the Sudanese Church of Christ. The Sudanese Christian Youth Union brought this incident to light, exposing the ongoing targeting of the Christian minority in the country.
Sudan Armed Forces arrest and torture at least seven Christians because of their 'religion, color and ethnicity' –
https://t.co/xvG8tumRbu pic.twitter.com/eQrG7CsBqR— Robert Spencer (@jihadwatchRS) February 3, 2025
The detained Christians face accusations of aiding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a claim they vehemently deny. This incident occurs against the backdrop of Sudan’s civil war between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has led to widespread displacement and a growing refugee crisis.
Sudan: Christians are trapped in the chaos, unable to flee. Churches are shelled, looted and occupied.
“If Christian authorities anywhere had imprisoned Muslims on false charges of theft, it would be insistent international news. But you won’t hear about this anywhere.” https://t.co/8PPm6Ebqv2
— Uzay Bulut (@bulutuzay_) January 29, 2025
False Accusations and Forced Confessions
Christian attorney Shinbago Mugaddam, now a refugee, provided crucial insights into the situation. According to Mugaddam, the detained Christians were subjected to severe mistreatment, including torture, to extract confessions.
“They were arrested by the army intelligence and were subjected to beatings and interrogations.” Mugaddam
The legal proceedings against these Christians raise serious concerns about due process and human rights violations. Mugaddam revealed that “The court did not ask them whether they needed a lawyer or had witnesses to deny this incident, knowing that they were beaten and forced to confess and provide evidence against themselves.” This flagrant disregard for legal rights demonstrates the persecution’s targeted nature.
Sudan’s Ranking in Christian Persecution
Sudan’s treatment of its Christian minority has earned it a place as the fifth worst country for Christian persecution on the Open Doors world watch list. This ranking reflects the severe challenges faced by Christians in the country, including false charges of terrorism and apostasy against Christian leaders, despite the apostasy law being overturned five years ago.
Converts from Islam face particularly harsh treatment, including violence, imprisonment, and forced marriage. The ongoing civil war has only exacerbated these conditions, with Islamic militants exploiting the chaos to target Christians more aggressively.
Call for International Action
The Sudanese Christian Youth Union and various human rights groups are urgently calling for the release of the detained Christians. As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community must take notice and act to protect religious minorities.
The persecution of Christians in Sudan is a stark reminder of how fragile religious freedom is in many parts of the world. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for those facing persecution for their faith, especially in regions plagued by conflict and instability.
Sources:
At Least Seven Christians Tortured in Sudan
Authorities in Sudan Arrest, Torture Seven Displaced Christians
