A Pentecostal church in the El-Haj Yousif neighbourhood of Khartoum North’s East Nile District was demolished earlier this month by government authorities. On 8 July, bulldozers arrived alongside armed forces and police officers. Local residents assisted in the destruction, while Christians stood by, unable to intervene or retrieve any items from inside the church.
Authorities gave no explanation at the time. Attempts to film or photograph the event were reportedly blocked.
Later, officials claimed the demolition was part of a broader effort to clear “unregulated” buildings in the capital. However, Christian leaders suggest the move reflects wider hostility towards churches, particularly since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war in 2023. The ongoing conflict has created an increasingly dangerous environment for Christians in the region, with churches frequently caught in the violence or directly targeted.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) recently claimed to have regained control of Khartoum from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a rival group involved in the civil conflict. Both sides have been accused of attacking places of worship.
Rafat Samir, chairman of the Evangelical Community Council in Sudan, raised concerns that the SAF, now operating as a “de facto government,” could lead to further demolitions of churches. He expressed concern for the emotional and spiritual toll this is having on believers.
“People are extremely traumatised, and this impacts our witness,” Samir said. “Pray for Christians to receive emotional and spiritual healing from what they have seen in the war. It’s not just our buildings that have been broken down, but also our people.”
According to Samir, over 100 churches have already been damaged or destroyed since the civil war began. He believes that churches in the outskirts of Sudan’s major cities remain at risk of further attacks.
Government restrictions are also preventing the rebuilding of damaged churches. A decision from the Urban Planning Department prohibits the reconstruction of buildings affected by war unless they have formal permits. Yet, many churches have never been granted permits due to systemic discrimination.
“They will not allow the reconstruction of churches that were bombed and burned during the war,” Samir said. “The state refuses to grant permits to churches, regardless of how many requirements they fulfil.”
As Christians in Sudan continue to face pressure, church leaders are calling on believers around the world to pray for protection, healing, and lasting peace.
Adapted from International Christian Concern.
