A Nation in Turmoil: The Ongoing Civil War in Sudan
Missile fire above the streets of Khartoum, Sudan
A protest in the streets of Khartoum six years ago has evolved into one of the most devastating conflicts in recent African history. The civil war in Sudan has led to thousands of deaths, millions of displaced individuals, and a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. How did this conflict begin, and is there an end in sight?
Sudan's civil war is a complex web of political, ethnic, and military strife. As with many conflicts, understanding the roots of the violence is essential to grasp the magnitude of the crisis and its impact on millions of lives. Since the onset of the war, Call of Hope’s Frontline Workers have been providing aid to Sudanese refugees, spreading the message of hope, and offering support to those caught in the crossfire. Here’s a closer look at how this conflict has unfolded and the significant challenges faced by those in its path.
BEFORE THE CONFLICT: A NATION DIVIDED
The seeds of Sudan’s civil war were sown long before the first shots were fired. Sudan, Africa’s third-largest country, has been plagued by decades of civil unrest, much of it rooted in the country's complex ethnic and religious composition. The divide between the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum and the ethnically diverse communities in the Darfur region and southern Sudan has been a major source of tension. The Darfur conflict in the early 2000s, which led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands and displaced millions, was a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the country.
However, the current civil war began to take shape in 2019, following the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir. Bashir's removal brought hope for a new beginning, but it also left a power vacuum that various factions sought to fill. The Transitional Military Council (TMC) and civilian forces under the Forces of Freedom and Change (FFC) coalition initially formed a fragile power-sharing agreement. Yet, as tensions between these groups grew, so did the instability across the nation.
APRIL 2019: AL-BASHIR’S FALL SPARKS NEW STRIFE
In April 2019, Sudanese citizens rejoiced as Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled with an iron fist for 30 years, was deposed following months of protests. However, the celebrations were short-lived. The military, which had played a key role in Bashir’s ousting, quickly seized power, forming the Transitional Military Council. The TMC’s reluctance to share power with civilian leaders led to widespread protests, with demonstrators demanding a transition to a fully civilian government.
By June 2019, the situation had escalated dramatically. The TMC’s brutal crackdown on protesters in Khartoum, where over 100 people were killed, marked a turning point. This event signaled the beginning of a deeper conflict between the military and civilian factions, leading to the formation of armed groups and the onset of a civil war that would ravage the nation.
2020-2021: ETHNIC AND POLITICAL DIVIDES DEEPEN
As the conflict dragged on, ethnic tensions resurfaced, particularly in the Darfur region. The power struggle between the TMC and various civilian groups, including the Sudanese Professionals Association and the FFC, became increasingly violent. Meanwhile, rebel groups in Darfur and the Nuba Mountains, who had long opposed Bashir’s regime, saw the turmoil as an opportunity to push for greater autonomy.
In 2020, efforts to bring peace to Sudan saw the signing of the Juba Peace Agreement, which aimed to integrate these rebel groups into the transitional government. However, the implementation of the agreement was fraught with challenges. Disputes over power-sharing, security arrangements, and resource control exacerbated existing divisions, leading to sporadic clashes across the country.
CALL OF HOPE’S WORK IN SUDAN: BRINGING LIGHT TO DARKNESS
Amidst the division in Sudan, God provided Call of Hope with unprecedented opportunities to share the Gospel in places where speaking openly about Jesus was once unimaginable. Our efforts have included:
Publishing evangelical literature: Thousands of handbooks for new believers and Muslims are distributed across Sudan, each containing contact information for correspondence and follow-up.
Weekly Jesus film events: These viewings provide both Christians and Muslims with an opportunity to learn more about Jesus Christ. These events often open doors for deeper conversations and follow-through discipleship.
Discipleship and church training: Call of Hope hosts multiple seminars each year to train church representatives and leaders across Sudan. This training strengthens local churches, enabling them to take in thousands of new believers from Khartoum to the remote villages of Sudan.
Humanitarian aid and medical care: In addition to spiritual support, Call of Hope provides life-saving food, medical aid, and other essential services to those in desperate need.
On-the-ground discipleship: Call of Hope places a strong emphasis on face-to-face meetings with new believers and Muslim seekers, ensuring that they are supported in their faith journey. This follow-up is crucial in a region where persecution is rampant.
These efforts bore fruit, with thousands of Muslims responding to the persistent love shown to them by Call of Hope’s Frontline Workers. Our dedication to both physical and spiritual well-being helped to bring light to one of the darkest regions of the world.
OCTOBER 2021: MILITARY COUP DERAILS PEACE EFFORTS
A live mortar shell penetrates the roof a church, but miraculously does not detonate.
In October 2021, Sudan’s fragile peace was shattered by a military coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The coup dissolved the transitional government and dashed hopes for a peaceful transition to democracy. The international community condemned the coup, and massive protests erupted across Sudan, demanding the restoration of civilian rule.
The military’s response to the protests was swift and brutal. Thousands of demonstrators were arrested, and hundreds were killed. The coup also reignited the civil war, with rebel groups resuming their fight against the central government. The conflict has since engulfed large parts of the country, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
2022-2023: HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Chaos as locals flee for their lives among mortar strikes.
As the war raged on, Sudan’s humanitarian crisis reached catastrophic levels. Millions of people were displaced, and over 24 million people – half of Sudan’s population – are in need of humanitarian assistance. The conflict has disrupted food supplies, healthcare, and basic services, leaving many on the brink of starvation.
In the midst of this catastrophe, Call of Hope has remained steadfast in its mission to bring hope and relief to those suffering in Sudan. What sets Call of Hope apart is its commitment to not only providing immediate humanitarian aid but also to evangelism and discipleship through multiple creative techniques, ministering to people in their own language and culture.
PRESENT AND FUTURE: A NATION IN LIMBO
Today, Sudan remains a nation in limbo, with the civil war showing no signs of abating and the country's future remaining uncertain. The conflict has drawn in regional powers, complicating the situation further. Economic collapse, widespread displacement, and ongoing violence have turned Sudan into one of the world's most urgent humanitarian crises.
ONGOING WORK IN SUDAN
Amidst this turmoil, Bro. Hafez, the national director of Call of Hope in Sudan and his teams of up to 30 evangelists are making a significant impact. They travel across various cities in Sudan, supporting former Muslims and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ despite the challenging circumstances. Recently, Bro. Hafez has spent considerable time in Port Sudan, visiting many people, engaging with them, and conducting seminars to encourage and train believers. His plans include holding similar seminars in ten Sudanese cities over the coming months, aiming to inspire and equip former Muslims and other Christians to spread the Good News of Jesus during these difficult times. Each seminar costs 2,200 US$ for transport, accommodation, and meals.
As the world watches, Call of Hope’s Frontline Workers continue to provide critical aid and support, offering food, medical care, and hope to those affected by the conflict. The situation in Sudan is dire, but the commitment of those on the ground brings a glimmer of hope.
Please keep Sudan in your prayers. Pray for peace, for the safety of those caught in the violence, and for the tireless efforts of those bringing relief to the suffering. If you wish to contribute, consider sharing this post blog or giving a financial gift to support our work in Sudan. Every bit helps in bringing hope to a nation in need!
Call of Hope Frontline Workers spread hope in the midst of chaos, handing out care packages, and offering prayer and counseling on the streets of many cities throughout Sudan.
