A disturbing trend of arrests and detentions has been reported in Sudan, where Christians, particularly those from South Sudan, are living in fear.
The latest incident involves the arrest of a Presbyterian Church pastor, Peter Perpeny, and four other South Sudanese Christians on August 16, 2024, in North Khartoum’s El-Haj Yousif area.
The group was apprehended while gathering for a funeral prayer, with authorities claiming they were in the country illegally.
However, no formal charges have been filed, and no deportation orders have been issued. The five Christians were taken to Omdurman Prison, where one female detainee was told to pay a fine of 600,000 Sudanese Pounds ($995 USD) or face six months in jail.
Church leaders report heightened anxiety among South Sudanese Christians, with many choosing to stay indoors to avoid arrest amid door-to-door operations by security forces targeting foreign nationals.
The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing civil war, which has significantly deteriorated conditions for Christians in Sudan.
The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), both with Islamist backgrounds, has led to widespread violence, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions.
Both groups have targeted churches and accused displaced Christians of supporting the opposing side.
Sudan is ranked 5th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List for countries where Christians face the most persecution.
The international community is urged to take note of the worsening situation and provide support to those affected.