Introduction and Context
Religious diversity has long been part of Sudan’s identity, yet minority faith communities remain vulnerable in times of unrest. As Sudan’s conflicts intensify, members of smaller religious groups face targeted harassment, violence, and discrimination. From church burnings to the harassment of non-Muslim minorities in displacement camps, faith-based persecution compounds the suffering of communities already struggling to survive war.

While Sudan is predominantly Muslim, Christians and followers of traditional faiths have lived across the country for centuries. In recent years, however, political instability and conflict have fuelled intolerance and state neglect, leaving minority faiths exposed to abuse.

This article examines how Sudan’s ongoing conflicts impact religious minorities, the patterns of targeting they face, and the urgent need for protection.


Historical Background of Religious Discrimination
Under successive governments, religion has been politicised, with Islam often used to legitimise authoritarian rule. During Omar al-Bashir’s regime, the imposition of Islamic law marginalised Christians and other minorities. Churches were demolished, permits for new places of worship denied, and converts from Islam subjected to legal penalties.

The secession of South Sudan in 2011, with its majority Christian population, further deepened suspicion toward Christians who remained in the north. Many faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and housing, with little recourse to justice.

Although reforms after Bashir’s ouster raised hopes of greater freedom, the persistence of conflict and instability has continued to leave minority faiths vulnerable.


Targeting During Current Conflicts
As fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rages, minority faith communities have faced direct and indirect attacks. Churches in Khartoum and Darfur have been looted or destroyed during clashes. In some cases, Christian leaders have been harassed or detained by armed groups.

Displacement camps, where religious minorities often reside alongside others, provide little security. Reports suggest that individuals from minority faiths are subjected to harassment, forced conversion attempts, or discrimination in aid distribution.

These patterns mirror wider intolerance in society, exacerbated by war and the breakdown of state institutions.


Humanitarian and Social Impact
The targeting of religious minorities worsens an already dire humanitarian crisis. Families lose access to places of worship, disrupting spiritual life and community cohesion. Discrimination in aid distribution means minority groups are more likely to face hunger and lack of shelter.

Fear of persecution drives some minorities to seek refuge abroad, adding to Sudan’s mass displacement crisis. In exile, they may continue to face stigma, especially in refugee camps dominated by majority communities.

This marginalisation deepens social divides and undermines efforts to build peace and reconciliation, as religious intolerance fuels mistrust between communities.


Accountability, Reform, and Conclusion
The targeting of minority faiths in Sudan is a clear violation of international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of religion under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Key steps must be taken to ensure protection:
- Legal guarantees: strengthen protections for religious minorities in Sudanese law.
- Community protection: ensure places of worship are safeguarded during conflict.
- Equal humanitarian access: guarantee non-discriminatory distribution of aid.
- Accountability: investigate attacks on minority faith communities and prosecute perpetrators.
- International support: provide asylum pathways and support to refugees fleeing faith-based persecution.

Until Sudan addresses systemic intolerance and ensures genuine religious freedom, minority faith communities will remain at risk. Protecting these groups is not only a moral imperative but also a vital step toward building a peaceful, pluralistic Sudan.