Renewed unrest erupts in Sudan

On Saturday, April 15 fighting erupted in Khartoum and other strategic sights between members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and regular military.

According to the BBC the BBC the fighting comes after days of building tension as members of the RSF were redeployed around the country in a move that the army saw as a threat. The RSF is a strong paramilitary group that started in 2013. There has apparently been a long time concern that such a strong force outside the army could be a source of instability in the country.

Since the fighting started unrest has spread and at least 59 civilians are reportedly dead.

Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have claimed to take hold of key bases, however witnesses in country told Reuters news agency that the army appeared to be gaining the upper hand.

Several Western, Middle Eastern and African countries have called on both parties for a ceasefire and to return to talks aimed at restoring civilian rule. On Sunday this lead to a three hour pause so that people could be taken to hospitals and civillians who were unexpectedly caught up the fighting could go home.

Key dates

• President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019 after. Mass street protests calling for an end to his near-three decade rule led to a successful army coup.
• A joint military-civilian government was established but was overthrown in another coup in October 2021.
• Civilians continue to demand a role in the plan to move towards democratic rule, but in December 2022 talks to finalise the details failed.

Despite the change of government in 2019, respect for human life and dignity is still a major source of concern for us and it's supported by this renewed unrest. Please join us in praying for Sudan.

Top image: Protestors in northeastern Sudan in 2019.  Abbasher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

please pray

• Pray that the military and the RSF will concede to peaceful talks rather than fighting.
• Pray for the Church in Sudan and that it will continue to be a voice of peace and hope in this uncertain time.
• Pray for all those affected by this renewed unrest. May believers “not lose heart” and hold fast to the promise that “though our outer self is wasting away, their inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison”.