‘The land is valuable, and it will be easier to seize it if the buildings have been destroyed by war.’
As Sudan remains caught in a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), it is the country’s civilians who suffer most. In December 2023, the United States formally determined that both parties had committed war crimes, and that members of the RSF and allied militias had also committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/sudan
Sunday 17 March
In November 2023, the SAF shelled the largest church in the city of Omdurman. Pray for those who have been left without a place to worship. Pray also for the nuns and children who were injured in a similar attack in Khartoum just two days later, when a building belonging to the Comboni Catholic missionary order was bombed.
Monday 18 March
Over 12,000 people have been killed, around 33,000 injured, and more than six million displaced in what the UN Humanitarian and Emergency Relief Chief has described as one of the ‘worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history.’ Pray for an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Tuesday 19 March
In October the UN established an independent fact-finding mission (FFM) for Sudan. Give thanks for the FFM, which will strengthen the international community’s ability to hold warring parties to account. Pray that it would be sufficiently funded, and effective in ensuring accountability.
Wednesday 20 March
Pray for the safety of humanitarian workers. In December, the Red Cross announced that two of its staff had been killed and seven injured in a 'deliberate attack’ as they attempted to evacuate over 100 people, including priests, nuns, children and the elderly, who had been trapped in the Catholic Church’s compound in al-Shajara, Khartoum for eight months.
Thursday 21 March
Pray for comfort, protection and refuge for civilians in Darfur, where violations are particularly severe. In early November, over 1,000 members of the indigenous Masalit tribe were murdered by the RSF over a three-day period in Ardamata, West Darfur, after the SAF left them without protection.
Friday 22 March
According to the World Health Organisation, more than four million women and girls are currently at risk of sexual violence, committed primarily by the RSF. Pray for protection, recovery, healing, and access to medical and psychological support.
Saturday 23 March
Lord God, we know that you have not forgotten or forsaken the people of Sudan. In your mighty name, we ask that you deliver this nation from conflict and crisis. Move Sudan towards a future of peace, justice and accountability. Amen.