Sudan (MNN) — Three years of brutal civil war have permanently changed the demographics of Sudan, an impoverished nation in North Africa. 

Joe Willey works with SAT-7, a satellite TV ministry to the Middle East and North Africa. He says, “ There are people that have left the country and have become displaced. They are in Egypt and other countries in the Middle East or North Africa. There are also those that have gone from a rural area to a populous area, those who have gone from cities trying to flee to different areas.

“It is shifting and changing, and as you can imagine, that is really a recipe for survival — not for thriving, being educated, putting down roots, or having families and family structures.”

Sudanese Pastor Philemon Hassan wiped away tears as he sang a prayer for peace in Sudan in a special edition of SAT-7 worship show “Keep on Singing.” (Image, caption courtesy of SAT-7)

Sudan has long been embroiled in strife, but the current civil war began in 2023 when fighting broke out between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the government-backed Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The war has claimed an estimated 150,000 lives and left the nation in ruin and disarray.

Over 11 million people have been displaced across the country, per the UN. Ethnic killings, where particular people groups are targeted for extermination, and mass migrations, either out of the country or to safer areas within it, have completely changed the face of Sudan.

About 70 percent of the nation is under the age of 30, providing hope, but they need access to education to succeed. Learning and national infrastructure have crumpled from constant war.

Millions of people are returning to their areas of origin, per the International Organization of Migration. But the return of many does not mean an end to the demographics crisis. The director of the Sudanese Center for Development Communication, Khalid Saad, said that there has been a clear imbalance in population distribution for decades. This contributes to the country’s poverty despite its size and resources.

Stand with Sudan

Image courtesy of Waseem Lazkani on Pexels

Willey says that while the Gospel is all we need for eternity, there are times Christians need to help with more than words.

“I think we’ve seen throughout Christendom that Christians have tried to be a better influence on society and make society better,” Willey says. “To be, as we and scriptures would say, salt and light. The people of Sudan especially need that help.”

SAT-7 helps to fill the gap by broadcasting educational programming. Find ways to give to their ministry here to help support Sudan’s future practically and spiritually.

Pray for peace and healing for the country of Sudan. Pray for people that have been displaced, and for the many foreign countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan that are attempting to support refugees from the war. 

“I would really invite those listening to pray for the people of Sudan,” Willey says.

 

Header image courtesy of SAT-7