Church Leader Arrested on False Allegations

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Church in Chains, Morning Star News 08 December 2022

A service at a chapel in Sudan. — A chapel in Sudan.
Photo: VOMC

For two years, Abdalla Haroun Sulieman lived in Lebanon. Upon returning to Sudan in February 2022, Abdalla declared that he had come to faith in Christ. While sharing his newfound faith with the people of his community, he also prayed with them, frequently asking God to minister healing to those struggling with infirmities.

Many people in the area began to visit his home, asking the Christian man to pray for their healing as well. Abdalla refused to accept any form of payment from the individuals for whom he prayed; instead, he and others freely provided those in need with food and accommodation. Unfortunately, some militant Muslims living in the area became unhappy with all the attention generated by the prayer gatherings. These protestors persuaded police to arrest the Christian on allegations of "witchcraft" and "fraud."

Abdalla was detained by police on November 21st and, after being charged with witchcraft, the local prosecutor approved his release on bail seven days later. However, the accused believer was then transferred to the Abu Ushab police station where he was also charged with fraud. Abdalla was finally released on November 29th.

After Omar al-Bashir was ousted from his political role as presidential dictator of Sudan in 2019, some advances were made in religious freedom. However, in October 2021, a military coup tried to take control. In the aftermath of the uprising, allies of the deposed president were released from prison, and some were appointed to positions of power. At this present time, the future of religious freedom in the country remains uncertain. For further information on the challenges being encountered by Christians in Sudan, go to our country report.

Please pray for Abdalla as he faces these allegations. May the Lord grant him peace, protection and wisdom throughout the ordeal. While we can be thankful that he is not presently being detained, pray that both of the charges against him will be dropped. Additionally, pray for this believer's ongoing ministry, asking the Lord to fill His faithful servant Abdalla with courage so he can continue to pray and minister among his spiritually hungry community despite opposition.

Country Information
Population
49,197,555 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Sudanese Arab (70), Fur, Beja, Nuba and Fallata (30)

Religion
Sunni Muslim, small Christian minority

Leader
President (to be determined)
Transitional military leadership in place

Government type
Presidential republic

Legal system
Mixed legal system of Islamic law and English common law

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Sudan
Pray that Christians throughout Sudan will continue to entrust themselves to Christ and preach the Gospel boldly, knowing Jesus is the ruler over the kings of the earth (2 Timothy 1:7-12, Revelation 1:5).

Pray also that peace, justice and religious freedom may be firmly established.

Sudan News

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Photo: CSW

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A church in Sudan.
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A group of people in Sudan.
Photo: Wikipedia / Nina R (cc)

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Photo: VOMC

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