As the war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) marks three years this month, up to 400,000 people have been killed in the devastation of Sudanese cities, such as Darfur and Khartoum.
The war and its ensuing impact could also be the worst displacement crisis in the world with more than 11 million people displaced and more than 4 million having fled to Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
“The largest humanitarian disaster of our times is unfolding.”
Annalena Baerbock
"Right before our eyes, the largest humanitarian disaster of our times is unfolding," German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said in a statement at the anniversary of the war in 2025.
Moreover, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan have been reported to the International Criminal Court and in 2025, the UN has warned that rape is being used as a weapon of war, reports Reuters.
At the beginning of this year in January 2026, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court told the UN Security Council that "atrocities in Sudan’s Darfur region are spreading from town to town in an organized campaign of violence that includes mass executions, rape and ethnic targeting, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
And there is still no end in sight.
“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.”
“God has brought us here to help people.”
Pastor Tariq
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.
“Christians are suffering in the sorrow that hangs over the country.”
Rafat Samir
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.”
‘Your generosity has restored hope’
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.
Our local partners worked to identify particularly vulnerable beneficiaries—including widows and female-headed households, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, child-headed households and extremely vulnerable returnee families. Pastors struggling to feed their own family and trying to help others, were also 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 strengthened faith, restored hope.”
Local partner
“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
please pray
- That the RSF and the SAF would look with mercy on the Christian community and all those affected by the war, exercising justice and restraint
- For an end to the conflict and that humanitarian aid would reach those in need
- That church leaders would have the means and wisdom to serve those around them, finding rest in God’s sustaining grace.
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