A drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces on Christmas morning resulted in the deaths of 11 Christians who were en route to worship. According to a local Christian attorney who chose to remain anonymous, the congregation was targeted while marching in procession toward the Episcopal Church of Sudan in Julud. The attack also left 18 others injured, as reported by Morning Star News, which previously indicated slightly higher casualty figures of 12 killed and 19 wounded.
This tragic incident is part of a series of drone strikes in the region, escalating tensions in the ongoing civil conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. On December 5, a drone strike claimed the lives of 10 children aged between 5 and 7 at a kindergarten. Another strike on November 29 targeted a medical center, resulting in 12 fatalities, including women and children.
Both factions involved in the conflict have shown hostility toward Sudan’s Christian minority. A ministry dedicated to monitoring Christian persecution globally, Open Doors, noted that Sudan was previously “on a path towards religious freedom” before the war erupted. They emphasized that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the Rapid Support Forces are sympathetic to Christians, enabling Islamist extremists to increase their attacks on the community.
The impact of this violence extends beyond the loss of life. Over 100 churches have been damaged during the conflict, and those who convert from Islam to Christianity face severe repercussions from their families and communities. Open Doors reported, “Sudanese Christians who have come to faith from a Muslim background face severe backlash,” highlighting the secrecy with which many must practice their faith to avoid persecution.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has worsened significantly, with Christians facing additional challenges in obtaining basic necessities. Discrimination during aid distribution has been reported, further marginalizing these communities amid a broader hunger crisis. “The struggle for survival in Sudan has become even more challenging for Christian communities,” the organization stated.
On the same day as the Christmas attack in Sudan, military actions were also reported in Nigeria, where the Trump administration conducted strikes against Islamic State militants targeting Christians. This highlights a growing trend of violence against Christian populations across Africa.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the plight of Christians in the country remains dire, with ongoing violence and a lack of resources posing significant risks to their safety and well-being.
