Sudan--Human Rights Report, Christian Persecution in Sudan

Africa: Sudan Country Report Last Updated: June 2003 Code: A-1, 2, 3; B-1 (Click here for a code description.)
	(Click here for a list of ICC articles on Sudan.) List of Articles Last Updated: June 15, 2003

Religious Atmosphere: It is estimated that 70% of this country's people are Sunni Muslims. 9.9% belong to tribal religions and 19% are Christians. The Muslim population is concentrated in the north, while the Christians and animists live in the south or in the Nuba mountain range in central Sudan. A state of civil war has existed between the Muslims and non-Muslims for 14 years. Factions within the government have been making various attempts at Islamicizing the country more and more.

Extremist Groups:

• Popular Defense Force (PDF) - This is a government-sponsored group that is larger and better equipped than the standing army. This group it known to have its ranks filled with the most fanatical Muslim fighters. They often engage in actions against the rebel forces in the South. Since these actions are done with government support or in coordination with government forces, their actions are listed with those of the government.
       
• It is reported that the government gives weapons to various Muslim tribes to increase their effectiveness in conducting slave and cattle raids against non-Muslim peoples in the South. These Arab militias, which often use the names Mujahadeen (holy warriors) or Murahaleen often fight alongside government forces. Their actions are also listed with those of the government.

Government:

• Though it has been stated by the National Islamic Front (NIF), the current military regime, that religious freedom is respected, Islam is the de facto state religion. The acronym GoS (Government of Sudan) is often used to identify government forces.
          
• Forced conversions to Islam is a part of government policy.
         
• Churches are often closed, destroyed, or not allowed to be built.
           
• Christian home groups are considered to be a public disturbance and Bible teachers are considered to be the leaders of these public disturbances and are arrested.
          
• Open preaching is prohibited and punishable by beating or a jail sentence.
           
• Many Islamic principles are accepted as customs, such as giving the testimony of a Christian man half the weight of that given to a Muslim man. Christians are under constant pressure to convert to Islam.
           
• Christians are commonly discriminated against in the workplace and rarely receive promotions.

Recent Actions:
     

• May 22, 2003 - Government of Sudan forces attacked Longochok and nine other villages in Eastern Upper Nile on May 22. Armed government troops burned homes, killed at least 59 villagers, and took several women and children captive. Pastor Jacob Gadet Manyiel was burned to death in his home, and his wife and children were taken captive. These attacks occurred on the same day that Secretary of State Colin Powell met with the Sudanese Foreign Minister to discuss removing Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It was later reported that two of Pastor Manyiel's sons (ages 4 and 6) and another young boy were killed at the regional military headquarters in Adar Yel. (Freedom Now News/Servant's Heart)
     
• May 21, 2003 - Rev. Samuel Dobai Amum (see April 7, 2003 below) was released from prison after local believers and an American delegation from Calvary Chapel (Santa Margarita, CA) raised enough money to officially purchase the land on which the St. Matthew's church is built. The church expects to soon have ownership papers changed into their name. (Compass Direct)
    
• April 21, 2003 - President George W. Bush stated that the Khartoum government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army were negotiating in "good faith." Thus, it is not necessary for the US to implement any sanctions, as per the Sudan Peace Act.
     
• April 16, 2003 - The UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva voted not to continue Sudan's status as an item 9 country with serious human rights problems. They also voted not to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Human Rights to Sudan.
     
• April 7, 2003 - An Episcopal priest was imprisoned because he refused to demolish his church building, which the court claims is built on another person's property. Rev. Samuel Dobai Amum built a house and a small chapel in an undeveloped part of the Takamol-Hag-Yousif area of Khartoum North in 1987. The structure was rebuilt in 1992 under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan and named St. Matthew's. However, in 1995, Amum was informed by city council authorities that the land belonged to Mr. Awad Abdalla Bashir, a member of the council. Bashir demanded that Amum pay 10 million dinars for use of the land. A judge upheld Bashir's demands, sentencing Amum to prison for an indefinite amount of time until he pays 7 million dinars to secure use of the land or destroy the church. (Compass Direct)
     
• March 7, 2003 - The Sudanese government and military have refused to cooperate with the Civilian Protection Monitoring Team that was established by an US-brokered agreement in March 2002. Under the agreement Khartoum should provide unhindered access to CPMT teams investigating alleged attacks. (E. Reeves)
     
• March 2003 - Human rights workers were able to verify that slave raids have not occurred in Bahr al Ghazal for over a year and a railroad used to transport slaves was actually dismantled in 2002. However, slave raids continue in the Western Upper Nile province and an estimated 10,000 women and children remain abducted. (Freedom House)
    
• February 22, 2003 - Various villages near Tam were attacked, resulting in many casualties. (E. Reeves)
    
• February 16, 2003 - Khartoum-allied militia forces killed SPLA troops as well as civilians in a surprise attack. (E. Reeves)
    
• February 6, 2003 - The Mayenjur area west of Bentiu came under heavy attack by GOS forces. (E. Reeves)
    
• February 6, 2003 - An international team traveling to South Sudan discovered fields littered with human remains in Liang, Upper Nile Province. Civilians told the team that up to half of the population of that area had been killed by GOS troops during April of 2002. GOS soldiers armed with mortars, assault rifles and machine guns had attacked residents of Liang, Dengaji, Kawaji, and Yawaji and burned down homes during a brutal attack on civilians. Young children were mercilessly killed and even beheaded, the team reported. (Servant's Heart)
     
• February 4, 2003 - The GOS and SPLA signed another agreement requiring the cessation of hostilities in all areas of Sudan and a stand down of military forces. (E. Reeves)
       
• February 2003 - The situation continues to worsen in Southern Sudan with a build-up of GOS troops at Wau, Juba and Adok. On January 27 GOS forces captured the strategic town of Leer. Attacks on relief sites have been reported and most recently the Government of Sudan has denied Operation Lifeline Sudan humanitarian aid groups the use of "Buffalo" aircraft to transport non-food aid to suffering civilians. In addition, they have required that all relief flights be pre-approved. It appears they want to force civilians out of the area in order to complete the oil road from Bentiu to Adok. (E. Reeves)
      
• January 17, 2003 - An SPLA spokesman reported that attacks against the civilian population continue in the Western Upper Nile area between the towns of Mankien and Tam. The village of Kual Kouny has been occupied by GOS forces while the villages of Kermyang, Lienepra, Kerial and Thargena have been shelled. It appears the GOS is trying to clear the area surrounding the road from Mankien to Tam to provide security for Talisman Oil operations. At least 200,000 people are reportedly displaced and have not yet received any relief aid except a few medicines. (CSI)
     
• January 2003 - The GOS has reportedly been deploying large numbers of troops and equipment to Juba, Wau in Bahr el-Ghazal, and the Kassala region of northeastern Sudan in additional to the western Upper Nile where fighting has already broken out. (E. Reeves)
       
• December 31, 2002- January 5, 2003 - The Government of Sudan (GOS) violated the October 15, 2002 memorandum of understanding by deploying troops and equipment to the western Upper Nile area near the Talisman and Lundin oil installations. Taban Deng Gai, an SPLM spokesman, reported that at least 10 villages in Mayom and Leer counties were destroyed by ground troops supported by helicopter gunships. In another village the World Food Program and Medicines Sans Frontiers facilities were burned. These attacks have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people, according to Gai. (CSI)
       
• October 2002 - Dimiana Murad Nashid, a Coptic Christian, was kidnapped from the Al-Neelain University in Omdurman. Her family was later informed that she had converted to Islam and her father was summoned to attend her wedding in Kalakla, a city near Khartoum. However, he reported that Dimiana appeared beaten and drugged. He then convinced the court to postpone the wedding until November 10. Another Coptic woman, Dimiana George Anwar, was also abducted in mid-August and her mother was informed that she had converted to Islam and married a Muslim man. (Freedom House)
     
• October 30, 2002 - Canadian oil company, Talisman Energy, announced that it is selling it 25% stake in the Greater Sudan Oil Project. Talisman has been hounded by human rights activists for the past several years for its complicity in human rights violations surrounding its concession in southern Sudan.
      
• October 21, 2002 - President George W. Bush signed into law the Sudan Peace Act. The peace act was stalled in the Senate for over a year because of proposed capital market sanctions in the House version of the bill (see June 13, 2001 below). This rider was eventually eliminated, allowing the bill to pass into law. The current version of the law will threaten sanctions against Sudan if it does not negotiate for peace in good faith with the rebel SPLA. It also provides $300 million to help rebuild the infrastructure of southern Sudan, which has been destroyed by ongoing government bombing and raids.
      
• October 17, 2002 - A few minutes after an official cease-fire was to take effect, Sudanese troops attacked SPLA forces in Old Rissai, near the Eritrean border. The GOS claims Eritreans were assisting the SPLA.
      
• October 15, 2002 - The Machakos Peace talks have resumed. The Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) signed a "memorandum of understanding" to "cease hostilities in all areas of Sudan" starting on October 17 until peace negotiations are concluded.
      
• October 6, 2002 - The flight and road ban on relief aid deliveries was lifted (see below). However, Catholic Relief Services reports that at least 61 sites are still being denied access to aid by the Khartoum government.
     
• September 26, 2002 - The Government of Sudan announced a total road and flight ban for all of Eastern and Western Equatoria region from September 27- October 6. With such a ban in place and MIG-29 bombers stationed at Juba, all humanitarian aid delivery will be stopped. Relief flights have been supplying 150 tons of food and medicine every day to approximately 3 million people in the region. Even emergency medical evacuations are being denied by the Khartoum government. (E Reeves)
     
• September 23, 2002 - According to the SPLA, GOS forces used newly acquired MIG-29s to target a Catholic Church in Yei. The bombs missed the church but destroyed two adjacent buildings.
     
• September 21, 2002 - At least 12 people were killed when GOS forces used MIG-29 bombers to target a cattle camp directly outside of Lui. About 50 cattle were also killed in the attack. There were no SPLA soldiers, weapons or even communications devices in the camp. (Samaritan's Purse)
     
• September 20-21, 2002 - Antonov bombers and helicopter gun ships targeted civilians in Twic County. The villages of Moun, Wunrok and Panlit were bombed while people along the Bahr El Arab River were fired upon. Five people were reported dead and 10 wounded after the fatal attacks. Twic County is adjacent to the western Upper Nile oil fields. (CSI)
      
• September 10, 2002 - The town of Yabus in Southern Blue Nile province was bombed by government forces. Two children under 10 were killed and eight others were wounded as 10 bombs landed near a school compound. (AP)
     
• September 3, 2002 - The Sudanese government pulled out of peace talks in Machakos, Kenya, citing the SPLA occupation of Torit (see September 1, 2002 below) as the reason for their withdrawl. This reasoning does not seem to be justified considering the fact that GOS forces continued to attack rebel-held towns after the signing of the Machakos agreement in July. Only when the SPLA seemed to be gaining ground did they pull out of the talks, claiming that the SPLA was not serious about peace.
     
• September 1, 2002 - Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) forces captured the town of Torit in Eastern Equatoria and drove government forces from the area. The town was found in the following condition - one Roman Catholic church had been stripped of its furnishings, another Roman Catholic church had been razed and the foundation used as a bunker. Two Christian schools and the residence of the local Catholic bishop were destroyed. The people had been forcibly Islamized and only those who converted to Islam were given aid. (Jubilee Campaign)
      
• August 19, 2002 - GOS forces bombed two villages in Eastern Equatoria province. Isoke and Hiyala were targets of the attacks, according to the Diocese of Torit.
    
• July 30, 2002 - An unknown rebel group murdered a Kenyan staff member of World Vision. Three other World Vision workers, two Germans and a Kenyan, were abducted by the unidentified assailants. No ransom has been demanded. (AFP)
     
• July 20, 2002 - The Government of Sudan (GOS) and the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed a peace agreement, which is being called the Machakos Protocol. Part of the agreement was that the GOS would allow for the separation of church and state in southern Sudan and that 6 years after a full-fledged peace agreement was signed the GOS would allow southerners a referendum on self-determination. While the Protocol seems like a miracle, experts are doubtful that the Khartoum regime is genuine. Peace talks will resume on August 12. (WEA)
      
• July 1, 2002 - GOS forces dropped bombs on a village outside of Kapoeta, killing five people and injuring seven others, according to the Roman Catholic diocese of Torit.
    
• June 23, 2002 - The GOS once again dropped bombs on the civilian population, this time in Malual Kon in northern Bahr el Ghazal. Four people on their way to church were killed and five more were seriously injured when Antonov bombers dropped six bombs, nearly hitting the compound of the International Rescue Committee, a US-based relief organization. Only NGOs are operating in Malual Kon. (SPLA)
        

• June 2, 2002 - Black Sudanese slaves were reported missing after a raid by Arab militiamen against a government-run slave detention center in Adila, Southern Darfur. The slaves whereabouts are still unknown. (CSI)
     
• May 22, 2002 - At least 11 people were killed and 45 were injured when GOS forces dropped 16 bombs on the village of Rier in Mankien country, Western Upper Nile. The attack occurred only one day before a US delegation led by Andrew Natsios, Special Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, was scheduled to visit the area. Witnesses on the ground reported that several people were dismemberd by flying shrapnel. This attack represents yet another breach of the cease-fire agreement between the GOS and the SPLA. (SPLA)
      
• May 8-9, 2002 - Members of a Ugandan rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army attacked civilians in southern Sudan's East Equatoria region, according to the Catholic Diocese of Torit. The rebels reportedly killed 470 people (many of them Christians), raped young girls, and burned six villages, including Idiefe, Obeyok, Kubaya, Lotele, Lohui and Isuhak. (AFP)
     
• April 20, 2002 – The GOS launched a major offensive to capture the town of Gogrial, Bahr El Ghazal province because of its proximity to the Upper Nile region. At least 20,000 civilians have been displaced thus far. (CSI)
      
• April 12, 2002 – The villages of Loolthou and Tharkueng in northern Bahr El Ghazal were burned by GOS troops. (CSI)
      
• April 10, 2002 – Peter Hammond of Frontline Fellowship and Episcopal Bishop Bullen Dolli were arrested in Yei by the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) during a Biblical worldview training seminar. The SPLA apparently mistook the two men for NIF informants because of their possession of short wave radios. The two were released the following day. (ANS)
     
• February 20, 2002 - A World Food Program relief center at Bieh in Western Upper Nile was attacked by four GOS helicopter gunships. At least 17 people were killed and many others were wounded in the attack. In reaction, the US State Department called off peace talks with Khartoum and questioned the government of Sudan's commitment to peace, given that it continued to attack its own civilian population.
      
• February 10, 2002 - A Sudanese appeals court overturned a death sentence against Abok Alfa Akok (see December 8, 2001 below). She remains in prison in Nyala until her new sentence is decided by the courts. (Reuters)
  
• February 9, 2002 - A Medecins San Frontieres health care worker and four civilians were killed when bombs were dropped on the village of Nimne. The village, which lies within 50 miles of Sudan's disputed oil fields, had been looted earlier in the month. (MSF)
      
• February 9, 2002 - A GOS plane dropped bombs on the town of Akuem in Aweil East County, northern Bahr El Ghazal. People were gathering at the airstrip to collect humanitarian aid when the bombs landed, killing a nine-year-old child and injuring six other women and children. (CSI)
      
• February 3, 2002 - A Muslim convert to Christianity was blocked from leaving the country via Khartoum airport. Aladin Omer Agabni Mohammed was attempting to leave Sudan to attend a seminary in Kenya when he was stopped by security, interrogated, and then beaten. His money was also confiscated. He had previously experienced trouble leaving on January 30 when he told he was restricted from leaving Khartoum. Since his conversion 11 years ago Mohammed has faced severe persecution at the hands of police officers who have injected him with drugs, beaten him, broken his right hand, and melted blocks of ice on his chest. He is now in hiding. (Compass)
      
• January 24, 2002 - Sudanese authorities in Khartoum amputated the right hand of a Christian man accused of stealing. Mr. Anthony James Ladou Wani was not allowed legal representation at his trial. Amputation is a punishment under Islamic sharia law. Though sharia is not applied to Christians in southern Sudan, all citizens of the northern part of the country are subject to sharia, regardless of their religious affiliation. Mr. Wani is recovering from his amputation. (Compass)
      
• December 13, 2001 – GOS Hind helicopters tried to interfere with relief aid distribution by chasing an aid plane as it took off from Bentiu. This marks the first time the GOS has employed air-to-air interference of aid delivery.
      
• December 8, 2001 - A pregnant 18-year-old Christian woman was sentenced to death by stoning. Abok Alfa Akok was convicted of adultery by a court in southern Darfur, western Sudan. The trial was conducted in Arabic; therefore it is unlikely that Abok Alfa Akok, a Dinka tribeswoman, understood the charges against her. Her lawyer says she was impregnated by her own husband. It is not known what "evidence" was used against her in the case.  (UPI)
     
• November 25, 2001 – A Government of Sudan Antonov bomber dropped more bombs in Aweil East county, this time targeting the villages of Malwal Kon and Rup Wut. 30-year-old Nyibol Luil Majok and 28-year-old Kwan Arol were killed during the attacks. A teenage boy was also injured by shrapnel. (CWS)
      
• November 20, 2001 – Government of Sudan Antonov bombers dropped 7 bombs on the village of Kuei Wiir, killing three people. The village of Burap was also attacked. The villages are located in Aweil East county in northern Bhar al-Ghazal. (CSI)  
     
• November 11, 2001 – A government-aligned militia raided the village of Malek Alel, near Aweil town, killing five people. The militia also abducted at least 30 people and stole 8,000 cows. (CSI)
     
• October 9, 2001 – The Government of Sudan, over the period of October 5, 6, and 8, bombed the town of Mangayath, killing one person and wounding six others.  The UN World Food Program evacuated their humanitarian personnel, because the bombs “endangered the civilian population gathered to receive life-saving humanitarian assistance.”   The UN World Food Program served about 20,000 people.  (Compass)
           
• October 9, 2001 – 48 leading Sudanese clerics issued a jihad-fatwa, stating: “America is the greatest enemy of Islam and it embraces blasphemy, guards the Jews and protects their terrorism.” (AP)  Many radical Muslims believe America to be the new Christian Kingdom.
       
• October 7, 2001 – The Government of Sudan dropped six bombs over each village of Gukic and Mayom Deng Akol in the Mangok district of Aweil East County, northern Bahr El Ghazal, murdering 15 non-Muslim children and one elderly woman, and injuring 8 more children. (CSI)
         
• September 22, 2001 – At the instigation of his family,  Security Police in Khartoum tortured Christian convert Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Omer Omer, and forced him to sign papers swearing he will not attend any church or Christian gatherings in the future, but he refused to renounce his faith in Christ.   A local source said, “He was tortured and beaten, and he lost three fingernails pulled out with pliers.” His family has threatened to disown him and is keeping him under house arrest. (Compass)
           
• August 26, 2001 – A 13-year-old girl was critically injured after the Government of Sudan dropped six bombs from a high altitude Antonov bomber over a camp for the displaced coordinated by the Catholic Relief Services in Ngaluma.  Four minutes later over the town of Ikotos, four bombs destroyed four homes, and then the bomber continued to Hiyala where it dropped four additional bombs. 
       
• July 26, 2001 – Talks between Sudanese Defense Minister Bakri Saleh and Saudi Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz discussed the possibility of military links. Arab diplomatic sources said the Saudi kingdom intends to help Sudan enter the Arab and international community after years of isolation. Sudan also wants to receive support from Saudi Arabia to bolster Khartoum’s security services. The capitol of Sudan, Khartoum, remains on the US State Department list of terrorist sponsors.
   
• June 24, 2001 – A GOS plane bombed civilians in the town of Raga, southwest Sudan, killing 6 people and injuring several others. Earlier attacks on the town resulted in the death of 4 people and damage to a church school.
   
• May 28, 2001 – SPLA rebels claimed the GOS had burned 14 villages in the Nuba mountains, destroying 5,000 homes.
   
• May 24, 2001 – GOS bombers dropped 14 bombs on Tonj in the Bahr el Ghazal region during a morning and an afternoon raid. Meanwhile, the government of Sudan announced a cessation of air raids to begin on May 25.
   
• May 9, 2001 – An International Committee of the Red Cross co-pilot was killed during a government permitted flight from Lokichokio, Kenya to the Juba region of Suden. The 26-year-old Dane was struck in the head by gunfire from the ground. This incident has led the ICRC to suspend all flights indefinitely.
   
• May 3, 2001 – President George W. Bush appointed Andrew Natsios special humanitarian coordinator for Sudan and promised to take more steps to help the starving people of southern Sudan and speak out against the atrocities taking place in the war-torn country.
   
• April 22, 2001 – A government bomber dropped 16 bombs on the town of Narus, critically injuring a child and destroying part of a Catholic school.
   
• April 19, 2001 – People being held in connection with the canceled Easter celebration (see April 11 below) were freed from prison after 8 days by the order of President Bashir. A day prior to their release the first Vice President of the Republic reportedly stated that "the world now knows and should know that Sudan is an Islamic country and we will not allow any prayers except Islamic prayers in our country." A BBC reporter remains in detention.
   
• April 16, 2001 – The Kauda airstrip in the Nuba mountains was bombed. Bishop Macarm Max Gassis was almost hit by the bombers as he was preparing to leave the area after a pastoral visit. Two people were seriously injured.
   
• April 11, 2001 – Riot police surrounded the Episcopal All-Saints cathedral in Khartoum as people gathered outside the church to pray and church leaders inside the building were holding a press conference regarding the cancellation of their Easter celebration (see below). Clashes between the Christian worshippers and police broke out, resulting in the arrest of 54 more Christians and the injury of at least 7 people. Four women and two children were given 15 lashes and 47 men were sentenced to jail 20 day jail terms as well as receiving 20 lashes each. In addition to the arrests, church property was also destroyed by police using hand grenades.
   
• April 10, 2001 – People gathered in Khartoum for an Easter celebration to be led by evangelist Reinhart Bonnke of Germany were beaten by police who used teargas and batons to disperse the crowd. Fifty-six people were arrested and three were struck by bullets. A day before the event was to be held, the organizers of the event had been informed that they could not use the Green Square in the center of Khartoum, even though they had previously been given permission to do so. The government offered to allow the Easter celebration to take place at a location on the outskirts of the city. However, that location was unsuitable for the event and thus the celebration had to be canceled. There was insufficient time to pass the word on the cancellation. Thus many people showed up, only to be abused by the local police.
   
• March 8, 2001 – Two people were killed and four were taken hostage when GOS militia members attacked the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Kiickuon, Upper Nile province. Other aid workers were taken to safety in Nairobi, Kenya. The four kidnapped persons included two Sudanese and two Kenyans. Three have since been released.
   
• February 12, 2001 – A report was released that details a scorched earth campaign being carried out in the Bentiu area. This area is part of Swedish company, Lundin Oil’s, concession Block 5a. Reports from the ground indicate that there has been massive destruction of villages and the forced displacement of local people. Villages are first hit by bombs, then ground forces arrive to burn the village and food supply. Anyone found in the village is then killed. Elderly and children have been burned alive in their homes by GOS forces. Many of the displaced people from this area can no longer be reached by international aid workers as OLS employees no longer have access to airstrips in the area to deliver humanitarian aid.
   
• January 21, 2001 – Approximately 2,5000 GOS troops raided 15 villages in Aweil East County, killing at least 53 people and enslaving 72 women and children. Villages between Aweil and Akuem were torched.
   
• January 19, 2001 – The Fraser Cathedral in Lui was hit and severely damaged by bombs.
   
• January 18, 2001 – International Committee of the Red Cross medical facilities in Chelkou, Bahr-el-Ghazal province were looted and razed by ground forces of the PDF (Popular Defense Force), forcing the ICRC to withdraw all expatriate workers. The facilities had previously been bombed (see July 14, 2000 below).
   
• January 13, 2001 – Four villages in Aweil South County were attacked, resulting in 11 deaths and the displacement of over 2000 people. An additional 9 people were wounded and several children were enslaved by PDF forces.
   
• January 5, 2001 – 72 women and children were enslaved by PDF forces during raids on the towns of Achoro and Warnyil in Aweil East County.
   
• January 3, 2001 – Mustafa Osman Ismail, Foreign Minister of the Khartoum regime, announced that the government would not allow rebels to hide behind "human shields." This policy, in effect, justifies government bombing of civilian targets, including humanitarian aid centers.
   
• January 2001 – During the first week of the year a clinic operated by Across, a partner of Tearfund, was destroyed by bombs in Paluer. No staff were on duty at the time of the incident.
   
• December 26, 29, 2000 – Two bombing raids were carried out in Lui, the operation base for Samaritan’s Purse hospital. Two civilians were injured and an Anglican Church was heavily damaged.
   
• November 24, 2000 – In one of three bombing raids carried out by the Government of Sudan, the Panlit missionary school was hit by bombs, destroying two classrooms and causing nearly 700 students to flee into the bush.
   
• November 20, 2000 – At least three children were murdered and 24 were enslaved when PDF forces raided the Gog Nhom Elementary school in Aweil West County.
   
• December 26, 29, 2000 – Two bombing raids were carried out in Lui, the operation base for Samaritan’s Purse hospital. Two civilians were injured and an Anglican Church was heavily damaged.
   
• November 20-22, 2000 – Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Susan Rice, visited rebel-controlled areas of southern Sudan and met with people who had been victims of bombings, slavery, and rape. Rice condemned the government of Sudan for its "unacceptable behavior" for carrying out "abuse after abuse." In retaliation for her visit, which the Khartoum government did not approve, all visas for American diplomats were cancelled, making it impossible for US diplomats to run the Embassy in Khartoum.
   
• November 20, 2000 – As many as 18 people were killed when bombs were dropped on an open market in the rebel-controlled town of Yei in southern Sudan.
   
• November 9, 2000 – A southern Sudanese town with no military significance was bombed by the Khartoum regime. Five people were killed and seven others were seriously wounded as bombs exploded in Garus. A Sudan Medical Care (SMC) health center ward was heavily damaged.
   
• November 5, 2000 – Dr. Peter Hammond of Frontline Fellowship was almost killed when GOS forces dropped bombs on the towns of Tapari and Jambo during Sunday morning worship services. Missionaries from America, Britain, and South Africa were carrying out a leadership training clinic when bombs were dropped near the Episcopal church in Jambo.
   
• November 3, 2000 – The Khartoum government continued to bomb humanitarian aid organizations linked to the UN-organized Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) possibly in retaliation for its loss of a seat on the UN Security Council. Both Norwegian Church Aid Ikotos and the Ngaluma displaced camp were bombed, resulting in the death of at least five people. Many more people were injured.
   
• October 22, 2000 – GOS forces bombed the town of Nimule, destroying homes, a classroom, and a refugee aid center. The Torit Diocese and Norwegian People’s Aid were narrowly missed by bombs. These bombings occurred despite a 10-day cease fire between the Khartoum regime and SPLA forces in order to allow UNICEF to carry out polio vaccinations.
   
• October 10, 2000 – Sudan was denied a seat on the United Nations Security Council due to its continued human rights violations.
   
• October 7, 2000 – Government of Sudan Popular Defense Forces (PDF) raided villages in northern Bahr-El-Ghazal, enslaving at least 21 women and children in Goc Machar. Seven people were reported killed and several others wounded.
   
• August 27, 2000 – A report in the London Telegraph claimed that as many as 700,000 Chinese security personnel may be deployed for action in the Sudan. In recent weeks the SPLA advanced to within 10 miles of the Upper Nile oilfields, thus putting China on the defensive in order to protect its interests in oil production. It is not known whether this report is accurate or not though it has been confirmed that Chinese workers have doubled as soldiers in Sudan’s war torn region.
   

• August 16, 2000 – Agencies operating under the UN’s Operation Lifeline Sudan were given permission to resume relief flights.
   
• August 8, 2000 – The United Nations announced that it would suspend flights delivering humanitarian aid to southern Sudan. This decision was made after bombings were carried out on Operation Lifeline Sudan flights that the Government of Sudan had assured would be safe. All of these flights took place with prior approval and the full knowledge of the government.
   
• August 7, 2000 – Eighteen bombs were dropped near a UN relief mission at Mapel in Bahr el Ghazal. This is just one example in a series of intentional bombings on civilian targets. This seems to be part of the northern government’s effort to kill off the southern population by depriving them of food and medical care.
   
• August 2, 2000 – A Doctors Without Borders health and nutrition center in the village of Akuem was forced to close after a series of government bombings. An agency plane as well as two other Operation Lifeline Sudan UN planes were narrowly missed by bombs.
   
• July 14 and 25, 2000 – International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) clinics were bombed in Chelkou and Billing respectively. This occurred despite the fact that the ICRC had obtained official permission from the GoS to operate their clinics.
   
• June 2000 – Only 22 of 155 women and children who were released from slavery under a joint program of UNICEF and the Government of Sudan (see April 2000 below) have safely reached their homes. The Dinka slaves were released from Aweil and forced to travel unaccompanied through a heavily land mined area. The remaining 133 women and children remain missing.
          
• Ongoing - The NIF regime declared a jihad (holy war) against the religious and ethnic minorities that resist forced Islamization. It is estimated that 2 million people have died in the conflict and five million out of the eight million people that live in the South have been displaced since the fighting began in 1983. The strategy used by the NIF and its accomplices can be considered a scorched earth policy. Areas are sealed off by road and air and government forces move in. Units are often sent into areas and told to "depopulate" the area. Mines are often sown on important roads and paths. All the people and livestock are taken or killed and all structures are destroyed. People are forcibly relocated to "peace camps." In these camps, the young are taken away from their parents and sent to other camps for indoctrination by Islamic fundamentalists. There are numerous reports that the young men taken away are trained as soldiers and sent to fight in the South. These soldiers, along with many northern conscripts, are referred to as suicide soldiers, as their use in battle is less than efficient. They are given a key to wear around their necks and told that it is the key to heaven an that should they die, they will instantly go there. Also in these camps, young women and girls have been forced to do manual labor on farms and are sexually abused by their captors. When food is scarce in the camps, only those who have converted to Islam are given enough to eat.
   
• Ongoing – Data compiled by humanitarian aid workers in southern Sudan estimate that government forces have bombed civilian and humanitarian targets at least 113 times in the year 2000.

Prisoners:

• It is estimated that there are thousands, or possibly tens of thousands, of women and children who are being held against their will as slaves or as conscripts.

Suggested Actions You Might Take:

• Pray for the Christians of Sudan that they may be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all. Pray for a long-term solution to the current civil war and an end to all the atrocities happening there.
• Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of the Christian community in Sudan. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
• Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Sudan asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
• Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at ICC@persecution.org.

*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national government of Sudan and the current human rights situation. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact us by e-mail at: icc@persecution.org. Thanks.

POSTED:  June 27, 2003

ICC Articles on Sudan:

• June 15, 2003 - Prayer - Bangladesh, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, China, Indonesia, Laos
• February 2003 - Prayer - China, India, Iraq, Sudan, Vietnam
• January 28, 2003 - CONCERN - Posted the January edition of the CONCERN Newsletter.  Includes articles on Sudan and Pakistan: Bringing Hope to the "Least of These", Christians in the North Also Suffer Under Islamic Regime, Persecuted Pakistani Teenager Finds Courage In the Lord.
• January 14, 2003 - CONCERN - Posted the December edition of the CONCERN Newsletter.  Includes Top Ten Countries Persecuting Christians: Vietnam, North Korea, Myanmar, China, Laos, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.
• August 1, 2002 - Prayer - Burma, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia
• July 1, 2002 - CONCERN - Posted June edition of CONCERN.  Suffering in Southern Sudan.  Updates on Indonesia, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. 
• June 24, 2002 - Prayer - Belarus, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Uzbekistan, China, Jordan
• May 31, 2000 - News - Press Release - Sudan: Aid Worker Provides Eyewitness Account of Attack
• May 22, 2002 - News - Press Release - Sudan Government Kills 11 in Air Raid, Government Violates Agreement to Protect Citizens
• March 2002 - CONCERN - Sudanese Christians Still Under Attack.  Sudanese Convert Under Threat.
• March 2002 - Prayer Points - Prayer Points for Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Sudan, Vietnam
• May 2001 - CONCERN - Bringing Hope to the "No-Go" Zones of Sudan
• April 28, 2001 - Prayer Points - Indonesia, Pakistan, Sudan, Vietnam, Turkey
• December 2000 - White Paper - Special Report: Oil Fueling the War in Sudan: Talisman Energy’s Role in Sudanese Genocide

ICC Sample Letters:

• Click here for a sample letter to your U.S. Representative on Christian persecution in Sudan.
• Click here for a sample letter to your U.S. Senator on Christian persecution in Sudan.
• Click here to petition the President of the United States on behalf of persecuted Christians.