Hope amidst despair – Sudan’s civil war three years on

After three years, the war in Sudan continues, devastating the lives of thousands and displacing millions. Yet, hope persists despite the despair felt by many. Please continue to lift our Sudanese brothers and sisters in prayer.

This week marks three years since the commencement of the civil war in Sudan. In April 2023, conflict broke out between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – since then, sources estimate that up to 4,000 people have been killed because of the war. Cities like Darfur and Khartoum have been decimated, many civilians conscripted and millions displaced, with no end to the unrest in sight. 

Compounding atrocities 

Since the start of the conflict on 15 April 2023, the injustices and violence experienced by citizens have only harshened, with the warzone shifting across the country affecting more and more communities. Several foreign powers have also involved themselves in the crisis. 

In April 2025, the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reported, “Right before our eyes, the largest humanitarian disaster of our times is unfolding.” 

This year, in a similar tone, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court stated to the UN Security Council, “Atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region are spreading from town to town in an organised campaign of violence that includes mass execution, rape and ethnic targeting, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.” 

The sheer number of those who have been displaced by the war also eclipses that of any other crisis, according to some sources, with over 11 million individuals forced to flee their homes. Many have found shelter in refugee camps, but their living conditions are no better. Clean water and food are hard to come by, and those who have no employment are often pressured to join armed forces. Should someone require medical care, it comes at great expense. 

• Why is Sudan fourth on the World Watch List? 

“We are ready to share the Word of God” 

But amidst such devastation, the church speaks. Pastor Tariq* is a senior church leader who seeks to come alongside Christians struggling under the burdens of war.  

“We cannot just sit idle and do nothing because of the war,” he says. “Wherever we go and wherever we are, we are ready to share the Word of God.” 

Many in the camps are believers, often from Muslim backgrounds, in desperate need of encouragement and discipleship. “I am trying to work with some of the refugees where I live now,” Tariq says. “We visit these churches or homes and share the Word of God with them. With the little resources we have, sometimes we organise some kind of training for the younger generation, like the youth and the children. We try just to be with them and to encourage them. I try to help with whatever I have, because people need us. God has brought us here to help people. This is why we have committed ourselves.” 

Believers under pressure 

Christians across Sudan face particular pressures, enduring hostility from neighbours, the RSF and the SAF. They are often the last to receive humanitarian aid and some are forced to join militias on either side of the conflict. 

Rafat Samir* is another senior church leader who perceives the weight Christians are carrying, saying that they are ‘suffering in the sorrow that hangs over the country’. Wherever they flee, the war reaches them. “The circle of war shifts every day to new locations. The war zones are expanding. The church is also suffering from the war in these regions,” he explains. “Even today, they continue to hear daily that some of their relatives have been killed in the fighting. Both parties recruit them, so they become fuel for this war.”  

The God who answers prayers 

Towards the end of 2025, Open Doors was able to distribute relief parcels to more than 1,300 families throughout Sudan – through your support and prayers. Vulnerable families were especially assisted. 

One woman who was displaced from her home because of the war received emergency aid. She says, “The support came at the very time I was suffering in pain. I rejoiced and thanked God from the depths of my heart for answering prayer. I was able to go to the hospital immediately. Thank you for your generous support in these difficult circumstances. May God bless you and make you a blessing to many.” 

A local partner also shares their thanks: “We are deeply grateful for your decision to stand with us during this tragic season, especially as the church in Darfur and across Sudan continues to endure immense pressure. 

“Your generosity has not only met practical needs but has strengthened faith, restored hope and reminded many suffering believers that they are not alone. May God richly bless you, expand your ministry and reward your love and faithfulness in Christ.” 

Thank you for your support for our brothers and sisters suffering across Sudan. Please continue to stand with them in your prayers. 

*Names changed for security reasons