Photo: Wikipedia / Nina R (cc)
Residents of the Al-Makniya area of Sudan's River Nile state drove 34 displaced Christians from their homes on October 19th. Those responsible for the displacement explained that they did not want any Christians nor black people in the area.
The recently expelled Christians had previously fled conflict in Omdurman, a city located near the capital of Khartoum, before seeking shelter in the Al-Makniya area. According to one of the affected believers, some of the local residents falsely accused the Christian refugees of stealing livestock and "violating public morals." However, police later confirmed that the hostility towards the believers was religiously motivated and had nothing to do with those accusations.
Initially, about 30 people from the neighbourhood approached the Christians, asking them to leave. When that did not work, the opposing villagers returned with more supporters. Some days later, when the Christian refugees were approached for a third time, the majority of originating Al-Makniya community members rallied together against them. Given only three days to vacate the area, the refugees were forced to leave on October 19th without any help or protection from the authorities.
Some of the displaced believers have since moved on to the city of Sendi, while others returned to Omdurman, despite the ongoing violence there. "We are currently in a very bad humanitarian situation, as we have lost our shelter," reported one of the exiled Christians. With concerns for the welfare of the children, women and elderly among them, the believer spoke of another major setback to their survival: "We have lost our livelihoods [which helped to] provide for our basic daily needs." For further reports addressing the various challenges encountered by our Christian family in Sudan, go to our country profile.
During this time of uncertainty, please pray that the Lord will meet the urgent needs of our displaced Sudanese brothers and sisters in Christ who have once again been forced to uproot their families and restart their lives in a different part of this war-torn nation. Ask God to provide these precious believers divine protection and strength, as well as the wisdom and guidance they need to determine what steps to take next. As they seek His direction, and endeavour to live honourably for Him, may they not only find physical refuge in a safe and welcoming location, but also spiritual refuge and solace in the reassuring presence and provision of their Heavenly Father – powerful reminders of His steadfast love for them.
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