MADANI, Sudan — At least 19 Christians have been arrested this year on the accusation that they support an opposing paramilitary faction in Sudan.
The paramilitary group Sudan Armed Forces arrested seven Christians on Jan. 21 in Madani in Sudan’s Al Jazirah state. The seven were going to a thanksgiving prayer meeting, local sources told Morning Star News. An attorney said the seven underwent a week of intensive interrogation at one place of detention and then were transferred to Madani Prison.
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Another 12 have been arrested in Wad Rawah in Al Jazirah state since January, the attorney added. Their location is unknown.
Reports indicate all 19 are accused of supporting the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces, which has been warring against SAF since 2023.
According to Morning Star, “Both the RSF and the SAF are Islamist forces that have attacked displaced Christians on accusations of supporting the other’s combatants.”
Citing the U.N. commissioner for human rights, Morning Star says this conflict has “kill[ed] tens of thousands and displac[ed] more than 12.9 million people within and beyond Sudan’s borders.”
Sudan is No. 5 on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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