Sudan has been in acute crisis since conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.
Few places in the country have been spared the large-scale hostilities that have at times been described as a war on civilians, given the catastrophic impact on those not party to the conflict. At least 13,000 people have been killed, more 33,000 have been injured, and the number of those facing hunger is now estimated to be as high as 20 million.
Additionally, there are significant concerns of atrocity crimes being committed in Darfur. The RSF have launched an attack on El Fasher, where there is the largest camp for internally displaced people in the country.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/sudan
Sunday 28 July
There is growing evidence that the SAF is relying on the support of extremist Islamist groups, raising concerns that they could embed their position further in Sudan.
There are also grave concerns over the RSF assault on El Fasher in Darfur, where civilian casualties are high and there is a risk of ethnic targeting of civilians – similar to crimes perpetrated in the region 20 years ago.
Please pray that there would be a halt to the current assaults on civilians. Pray that extremist groups’ efforts to embed within the state would be thwarted, and that military assaults on El Fasher would come to an end without the RSF gaining ground.
Monday 29 July
Give thanks for the human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and community leaders who have bravely continued their work in the midst of the conflict. Ask God to provide, protect and re-energise them today.
Tuesday 30 July
‘But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.’ (Psalm 3:3). Pray that Christians in Sudan would know God’s all-encompassing protection in whatever they are facing today.
Wednesday 31 July
Today is African Women’s Day. With heavy hearts, we remember the estimated four million women and girls who are currently believed to be at risk of sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan. Please pray for their safety, and for the healing of those who have been subjected to such atrocities.
Thursday 1 August
A UN independent fact-finding mission for Sudan was established in October last year. This was good news, however it continues to face operational delays and under-staffing – undermining its critical role in documenting human rights violations. Please pray that the fact-finding mission would be adequately resourced to work effectively.
Friday 2 August
Most of all, Sudan needs an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. Pray urgently that efforts to bring an end to the conflict would be successful, and that civilian groups are included in any peace process to ensure the creation of a genuinely inclusive post-conflict Sudan.
Saturday 3 August
Lord God, we know that you see all that is happening in Sudan – that which is reported and that which isn’t. Deliver this nation from violence, and uplift, equip and protect those who will lead it to an inclusive, peaceful and democratic future. Amen.