09/13/2019 Sudan (International Christian Concern) – Sudan conitues to show signs of moving towards democracy and freedom for its people. Since April, the country has overthrown its longtime dictator, Omar al-Bashir, held protests to institute a civilian government, instituted that new civilian led government, with a civilian prime minister, and even started trying to mend relations with South Sudan and the fighters in Darfur. One of the biggest steps, was placing a Christian woman on the sovereign council. This council is made up of 11 members, with 6 being civilian and 5 being military.
Raja Nicola Eissa Abdel-Masih was appointed to the council despite many years of increasing persecution against Christians in the country. She is a Coptic believer who has served as a judge in the courts of Sudan for the past 37 years. She is only 1 of two women on the council and the first Christian to hold a position of this height in decades.
Though this is an amazing step and shows real signs of possible change, Christians in Sudan remain cautiously optimistic at best. In an interview with MorningStar News, Pastor Kuwa Shamal said, “Although there is a new government formed, that does not mean Christians will be free from persecution in Sudan.” Pastor Shamal is one of those who has firsthand experience of the hatred and persecution caused by the past extremist ideology of Sudan. This caution is mostly kept because many of the leaders of the brutal and bloody Bashir regime continue to hold power through the transition. This could mean that though the government has changed some of its faces, the old ones may continue to push forward an Islamic only agenda. Please pray for Raja Abdel –Masih, as she tries to change the policy and persecution in Sudan. Also pray for the Christians of Sudan to have hope and trust in God that his will is greater than any schemes of man.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].
