Escalating Tensions: Sudan Detains Christians Amid Conflict Allegations
Amid ongoing turmoil in Sudan, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have detained at least 19 Christians in Al Jazirah state since January. These individuals are accused of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to local sources.
On January 21, seven members of the Sudan Council of Churches were arrested by SAF while traveling to a thanksgiving prayer meeting organized by the Inter-Church Committee. Their journey from Barakat to the state capital was interrupted, as reported by Morning Star News.
Attorney Shinbago Mugaddam confirmed the detentions, identifying the seven as James, Rani Andraws, Akech Otin, Patrice Saeed, Ammanuel, Abraham John, and Peter Makuei. Before being sent to Madani Prison, they reportedly faced rigorous questioning at a Joint Military Cell in Madani. The detainees denied any ties to the RSF.
Mugaddam reported that church leaders in the region have formally petitioned for the release of these Christians, arguing there is no evidence of their involvement with the RSF. Despite this appeal, the detainees have not been released.
Later in January, another group of 12 Christians was reportedly arrested in Wad Rawah, also in Al Jazirah, under similar allegations. Mugaddam noted that their whereabouts remain unknown.
Christian rights groups have labeled these arrests as part of a larger effort to curb Christianity in Sudan, where Christians constitute about 4.5 percent of the population, or roughly 2 million people.
Mugaddam remarked, “This is systematic targeting of Christians who are arrested without taking them to court of law to get justice.”
The United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) reports that the power struggle between SAF leader Gen. Abdelfattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has ravaged Sudan, causing over 12.9 million people to be displaced and resulting in significant civilian casualties.
These detentions follow the implementation of a contentious legal amendment, the General Intelligence Service (GIS) Law, enacted in May 2024. This law grants the GIS extensive powers to detain, search, and question individuals with legal immunity from prosecution unless sanctioned by the GIS director.
The Sudan War Monitor highlights that under Article 52 of the revised law, actions taken by agents “in good faith” during official duties are not deemed criminal.
Sudan is currently ranked fifth on the 2025 World Watch List (WWL) for countries with severe Christian persecution, up from 8th the year before. The WWL report notes an increase in violence against Christians, including killings, sexual assaults, and the destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship, since the civil conflict began in April 2023.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
