Sudanese Forces Allegedly Enable Church Demolition, Harassment of Christians Escalates

Image: Jihad Watch

Around midday on July 8, 2025, residents in East Nile, Khartoum, witnessed a disturbing scene as vehicles bearing the insignia of the Sudanese Armed Forces and local police encircled the Pentecostal Church compound. Soon after, a group of civilians began demolishing the church structure without any formal notice or legal documentation. The church, established in 1990, had served not only as a place of worship but also housed administrative offices that supported the Christian community in the area.

Despite the Sudanese police and military later claiming that they were not directly involved in the destruction, eyewitnesses noted that the clearly marked government vehicles remained at the site throughout the demolition. Their presence appeared to shield the perpetrators from any accountability, effectively enabling the act. Making matters worse, police reportedly intervened to prevent local bystanders from filming or photographing the incident, suppressing potential evidence and media coverage.

This attack is part of a growing pattern of persecution against Christians in Sudan. In the northern region of Shamaliya, extremist mobs have increasingly begun to target Christian gatherings, disrupting worship and intimidating congregants. The hostile atmosphere has only intensified over time, with Christian citizens now facing additional hurdles even in accessing government assistance programs. Reports continue to emerge of Christians being excluded from aid distribution, a sign of institutionalized discrimination layered on top of social hostility.

The demolition of the church and the ongoing harassment of Christians raise serious concerns about religious freedom in Sudan and the role state actors may be playing—whether directly or indirectly—in fostering a climate of fear for minority communities.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)