Islamist Attempts to Seize Sudan’s Evangelical School Continue Amid War and Displacement

Image: Jihad Watch

The struggle for control over a Christian educational institution in Sudan has once again surfaced, highlighting the continued persecution faced by Christians in the war-torn nation. Despite the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, Islamist groups are still targeting religious minorities and their properties. The Evangelical School of Sudan, situated in Omdurman across the Nile River from Khartoum, has become the latest flashpoint in this persistent conflict between extremist interests and the Christian community.

Renewed Attack on the Evangelical School

In early September, three Muslim men—allegedly linked to an Islamic business group—forcefully entered the Evangelical School of Sudan, which belongs to the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC). According to church sources, the intruders threatened hundreds of internally displaced Christians who had sought refuge within the compound, demanding they vacate the premises. The attackers then broke into the office of the headmaster, damaging property and declaring their intent to seize the facility by force.

This act of aggression comes at a time when Sudan is already reeling from internal war, with thousands displaced and infrastructure crumbling. The attack not only exposes the deep religious fault lines within the nation but also underscores the vulnerability of Christian communities who continue to face hostility even in times of national crisis.

A History of Persecution and Violence

The Evangelical School of Sudan has been at the center of numerous disputes for years, especially under the hardline Islamist regime of former President Omar al-Bashir. During his rule, Christian institutions frequently faced harassment, property seizures, and government-backed attacks. Reports indicate that the same Muslim businessman behind earlier attempts to claim the school continues to fuel violence against the church’s assets.

The history of bloodshed linked to this property dates back several years. On April 3, 2017, a violent raid resulted in the fatal stabbing of church elder Younan Abdullah Kambu, who was defending Christian women during an attempted takeover. Another church elder, Ayoub Kamama, was also stabbed in the chest and hand while trying to prevent further bloodshed. These tragic incidents became emblematic of the dangers faced by Sudan’s Christian minority under Islamist domination.

Faith Under Siege

Even after the fall of Omar al-Bashir’s government in 2019, Sudan’s Christian community continues to live under the shadow of fear. Despite promises of reform and religious freedom, property confiscations and intimidation persist. The ongoing attempts to seize the Evangelical School reveal how deeply entrenched religious intolerance remains within segments of Sudanese society.

With the current civil war displacing millions, many Christians have found temporary shelter in churches and schools like the Evangelical School of Sudan. Yet, even these sanctuaries are not spared from aggression, leaving victims doubly displaced—first by war, and then by targeted persecution.

Conclusion

The renewed attempt to take over the Evangelical School of Sudan represents more than just a property dispute—it symbolizes a broader struggle for religious freedom and survival in a nation divided by faith and conflict. As Islamist elements persist in their efforts to suppress Christian institutions, the plight of Sudan’s minority communities calls for urgent international attention and intervention. True peace and progress in Sudan will remain elusive until all citizens, regardless of religion, can live without fear of persecution or dispossession.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)