Faith, Advocacy, and Solidarity Amid Sudan’s Deepening Crisis

by Global Ministries | published on Nov 21, 2025

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). On October 26, after an 18-month siege, the RSF seized full control of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, further deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Sudan is currently experiencing the world’s largest displacement crisis. According to United Nations (UN) reports, more than 13 million people have been forced from their homes, both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries, including South Sudan, Egypt, Chad, the Central African Republic, and others. Over 1.2 million people have fled to South Sudan alone, further straining fragile systems and scarce resources. Tens of thousands have been killed, and more than 20 million people—roughly half of Sudan’s population—now face acute food insecurity.

Asisa Ateib, 30 years, refugee from Korney in West-Darfur, in her tent at Mile Camp. I flead from my village, when I could see the Janjaweed already attacked the neighbouring village. I hear the machineguns and bombs, and I could see the light from the burning houses in the dark night. All my five children survived, but two of my brothers where killed during the attack, and my husband is not with me anymore. Photo from ACT Alliance

The crisis in Darfur has grown even more dire since El-Fasher was taken. The RSF’s actions have prompted human rights defenders to warn that the paramilitary group is committing genocide, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces broad allegations of providing support to the RSF. Women and children are the most affected, with millions displaced or trapped in conflict zones. Despite the scale of the crisis, the International Organization for Migration and other organizations have repeatedly highlighted that Sudan is not receiving the global attention it deserves. At the same time, severe funding cuts to the humanitarian system have further limited the capacity to respond to emergencies worldwide, including in Sudan.

Our partner, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), reports that its staff and leadership remain safe as they continue to accompany communities during this challenging period. They highlighted that the influx of displaced people is affecting border communities, straining already limited resources and heightening tensions in certain areas. Churches and local faith networks have been critical in providing immediate support—offering shelter, food assistance where possible, pastoral care, and advocating for the protection of civilians.

Beyond immediate humanitarian responses, the SSCC “remains actively engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts. The Church continues to advocate for dialogue, the protection of vulnerable populations, and a peaceful resolution to the conflicts” affecting both Sudan and South Sudan. Additionally, SSCC is closely monitoring political and security developments, adapting its interventions as conditions evolve.

In the United States, civil society, faith-based organizations, human rights defenders, and members of the public gathered for a prayer vigil outside the U.S. Department of State on October 30. From 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., demonstrators called on Secretary Marco Rubio to intervene urgently, demanding:

An immediate end to the killing across Sudan
Protection for civilians in Darfur and the Kordofan states
Unrestricted humanitarian access to El-Fasher
Accountability for UAE-based weapons suppliers fueling RSF atrocities

Last week, the UN Human Rights Council convened a special session and adopted a resolution, mandating the UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan to investigate alleged violations in El-Fasher. The Council also condemned the escalating violence and atrocities reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces and allied groups in and around the city, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis in North Darfur.

Global Ministries has also been actively engaged in advocacy, working alongside faith-based partners, civil society groups, and human rights organizations to urge the United States and the international community to strengthen their commitment to ending the conflict and advancing justice and sustainable peace in Sudan. Most recently, Global Ministries signed on to a coalition letter supporting joint congressional resolutions of disapproval regarding several major U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, in light of allegations that the UAE has provided support to the RSF. Companion letters were sent to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Unfortunately, the resolutions ultimately did not pass. Nevertheless, the effort marked a significant breakthrough: it was the first time that Emirati support for the RSF was publicly confronted and debated on the Senate floor, signaling growing momentum for greater accountability and a shift toward more principled U.S. engagement on Sudan.

Additionally, Global Ministries has recently supported the Pastoral, Outreach, and Mission Council (POMC) of the Synod of the Nile of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Egypt in its work with Sudanese refugees in Cairo and Alexandria, providing much-needed aid and accompaniment. POMC’s ministry with Sudanese communities in Egypt “stands as a quiet, steady light that refuses to fade.” Beyond training and supporting pastors—many of whom are refugees themselves—it offers sanctuary, hope, humanitarian assistance, and ongoing accompaniment to those displaced by conflict. POMC describes its impact in deeply human moments. Through these acts, “dignity is restored; hope is renewed,” and walking alongside those in need transforms care into true companionship.

The South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC), added a note of hope, saying, “Your prayers, partnership, and solidarity strengthen our resolve as we serve communities facing immense challenges.”

Despite these efforts, humanitarian organizations warn that Sudan’s plight remains dangerously underrecognized. With millions displaced and resources stretched thin, the crisis in Sudan requires ongoing global attention, humanitarian response, and persistent efforts to achieve peace.

Action:

We invite you to stand in solidarity and pray for the people of Sudan, South Sudan, and all displaced communities. Pray for protection, healing, courageous leadership for peace, and strength for the partner churches and humanitarian workers serving those in need.

Lift your voice for peace and the protection of civilians. Contact your Representative or Senator to advocate for increased humanitarian aid, accountability for atrocities, the cessation of U.S. arms sales to the United Arab Emirates, and strong diplomatic engagement toward a just and lasting peace in Sudan.

Click here (Link) to support the humanitarian and peace-building work of our partners on the ground. Your gifts will support critical assistance, strengthening local churches’ ability to care for displaced families, and partner’s long-term efforts for justice and peace.