Sudan (MNN) — Sudan’s warring parties inch closer to a ceasefire following talks in Egypt. Discussions between representatives of the Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces reportedly centered on establishing aid corridors to ensure the safe movement of relief supplies and civilians.
Any truce would be a vital first step toward ending the war that erupted two years ago, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. Today, famine is widespread, millions are displaced, and more than 40,000 people have been killed.
Flag of the Rapid Support Forces
(Wikimedia Commons)
“This conflict, there is no reason for it,” Ibrahim Adam with the Darfur Christian Association says.
“This conflict must be stopped, and the ceasefire must take place as soon as possible.”
The U.S.-led ceasefire effort aims to lay the groundwork for lasting political dialogue once the immediate humanitarian crisis is brought under control. Adam says Darfur’s believers need to be involved in those conversations, rather than hiding in the background.
“As Christ’s ambassadors, we are the peacemakers,” Adam says. “We need to be integrated into the Sudanese society; we need to show up, especially on the public issues.”
Find your place in the story
Pray first for the war in Sudan to come to an end. Secondly, pray for wisdom as Sudanese Christians weigh next steps. Speaking out in an Islamic environment carries risk – but so does staying silent.
“We’re experiencing conflict because in the age of public issues, we left it to them to decide on our behalf. If we were there in the decision-making, this ongoing conflict was avoidable,” Adam says.
“That disagreement that happened between two belligerents, it was possible that we [could] manage it without reaching this level.”
Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften hearts at all levels of government, including among the two warring factions.
“We believe that the heart of government officials, presidents, and kings is in the hand of the Lord,” Adam says.
“Pray that God will control the hearts of those political leaders in order to soften their hearts and see the suffering. Then the nation will experience peace.”
Header image depicts IDPs at a food distribution center in North Darfur circa 2023. (Wikimedia Commons)
