Caught in Crossfire

‍Losing Religious Freedom Amidst War

As Sudan descends further into chaos, many Christians in the country face extreme persecution, compelling them to flee for their lives. Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, millions of civilians—especially religious minorities like Christians—have been ensnared in violent clashes between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), formerly known as the Janjaweed.

In 2019, Sudan experienced some improvements in the Freedom of Religion and Belief (FORB) following the fall of Omar al-Bashir’s oppressive regime. Unfortunately, these gains have proven short-lived, and the possibility of peaceful coexistence is distant. Threats against Christians, particularly those of African descent, have surged as militias use their power to dominate the region through brutal force. The targeting of Christians and the demolition of churches is causing even greater instability.

Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has led to widespread atrocities, with both factions targeting Christian communities, particularly in Darfur and Khartoum. The RSF, which has its roots in the Janjaweed militias, carries a notorious history of war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and sexual violence dating back to the Darfur conflict in 2003. In the current turmoil, these abuses have resurfaced, with systematic attacks on Christian and non-Arab communities.

The Persecution of Christians

Reports indicate that the RSF has specifically targeted Christian civilians—attacking churches, seizing property, and committing horrific acts of violence, including rape and forced displacement. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing abductions and sexual abuse, while Christian leaders are persecuted and churches looted or destroyed. This violence is part of a broader strategy to assert dominance and undermine the influence of religious minorities, echoing past ethnic and religious cleansing campaigns.

In April 2023, fighting erupted between two powerful military factions: the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti. The conflict stems from a power struggle over the integration of the RSF into the regular army and the balance of power in Sudan’s transitional government, leading to a descent into violence.

The chaos has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of vital infrastructure, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Civilians, especially in regions like Darfur and Khartoum, have borne the brunt of the fighting, with thousands killed and millions displaced. The country is on the brink of collapse due to famine and lack of basic resources, exacerbating pre-existing ethnic and religious tensions and raising international concerns about the stability of Sudan and the surrounding region.

As the civil war rages on, Islamist militias, particularly the RSF, are openly targeting Christians. In one alarming incident, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Mar Gigis was stormed, injuring the reverend, his family, and parishioners. Christians face threats of violence, with some labeled as "infidels" and pressured to convert.

Christian women face some of the most horrific threats, with cases of rape, sexual abuse, and forced marriage on the rise. Converts from Islam are especially vulnerable, enduring death threats and violence. The RSF and Islamist groups exploit the war to intensify their assault on the Christian minority, making Sudan one of the most dangerous places to be a Christian today.

One displaced Christian from Darfur expressed the desperation many are experiencing:

Shai Fund’s Life-Saving Intervention

Amid escalating violence and humanitarian crisis, Shai Fund has launched critical interventions to protect and support vulnerable Christian communities. Since the onset of the conflict, Shai Fund has successfully relocated 280 Sudanese Christians to safer areas. This assistance included food, shelter, and medical care for those facing immediate threats from armed militias. In a specialized evacuation effort, nine high-risk individuals were relocated outside Sudan, navigating war zones and multiple checkpoints.

Shai Fund has also initiated a food relief project for 600 Christian families, collaborating with local partners to deliver food to over 8,000 individuals facing extreme famine. The ongoing civil war has displaced millions and led to severe food shortages, leaving over half the population hungry. Marginalized Christian communities, already under persecution, are especially vulnerable. Reports indicate that famine conditions are prevalent in several regions of Darfur, with families frequently going days without food.

One woman shared the dire situation: "It has been over a month since I could prepare a meal for my family." To combat this crisis, communal food distribution reached 4,000 children daily for two weeks, providing critical relief and instilling hope. The food supplied, including millet, sugar, and cooking oil, not only met urgent physical needs but also restored a sense of community. Local clergy have played a vital role in providing spiritual and emotional support alongside the aid, helping to strengthen resilience during this deep crisis.

In 2024, Shai Fund delivered medicines to Sudan, addressing the urgent needs of a deteriorating healthcare system. The ongoing civil war has decimated healthcare infrastructure, with hospitals destroyed, medical supplies looted, and healthcare workers fleeing violence. As a result, millions lack access to basic healthcare, and preventable diseases are on the rise due to shortages of medicines and sanitation services. Collaborating with local partners, Shai Fund successfully delivered critical medical supplies to three healthcare facilities, providing an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 treatments.

Hope Amid Despair

In the face of war, persecution, and humanitarian crises, Shai Fund serves as a lifeline for persecuted religious minorities often overlooked by traditional aid efforts. Supporting Shai Fund means contributing to immediate humanitarian relief—such as food, shelter, and medical aid—and standing in solidarity with communities facing violence simply because of their beliefs. Our work represents a powerful intersection of humanitarian aid and the defense of religious freedom, ensuring that persecuted minorities not only survive but can live freely with dignity and practice their faith.

Your support enables Shai Fund to deliver critical aid to high-risk religious communities in conflict-ridden areas. Whether relocating families facing death threats, providing life-saving medical supplies, or delivering food to those on the brink of starvation, every donation helps protect the most vulnerable. By partnering with us, you champion freedom of conscience and religious liberty while addressing the urgent needs of those suffering from violence, hunger, and displacement. Your contribution changes lives, empowering religious minorities to not only survive but to rebuild, heal, and thrive in the face of unimaginable persecution.