Christian Foundation Decries “widespread, systematic” Forceful Conversion to Islam in Sudan as Civil War Rages On

According to the Christian human rights foundation, Christians in Al Thora Mobe village, Gezira State in Sudan are being coerced into converting to Islam by the RSF. The village, home to Christian refugees from the Nuba Mountains since 2011, has been under RSF control since December 2023.

Meanwhile, their families, including at least 25 women and 54 children, remain in a dire humanitarian situation, forced to stay in the overcrowded SCOC church building.

According to CSW, the men were members of the SCOC in Al Ezba, Khartoum North. They had fled their homes along with around 100 other church members as fighting between SAF and RSF escalated.

These Christians sought refuge in Shendi, only to face arrests that started on October 6, with groups detained over several days until October 11. The men are said to have been subjected to harassment, physical assault, and interrogation with accusations of being RSF affiliates.

In the October 14 report, Mr. Thomas expressed concern over the situation of the detained 12, saying, “We are deeply concerned by the arrest and detention of these men, who simply sought refuge for themselves and their families, yet have been subjected to unjust detention, unwarranted assaults, and interrogation.”

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He called for the immediate release of those still detained and raised alarm over the conditions of their detention, which include denial of family or lawyer visits and the lack of formal charges.

Amid the ongoing civil war in the country, the CSW founder urged both the SAF and RSF to adhere to international humanitarian law and to respect their international obligations under the Jeddah agreement.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.