Sudan is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. For three years, a civil war has raged between the government army under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the militias of his former deputy Mohammed Hamdan Daglo. The consequences are devastating: tens of thousands of civilians have died, with reports of massacres, sexual violence, and ethnic cleansing. Over twelve million people have fled their homes and live in refugee camps inside Sudan or in neighboring countries. According to the United Nations, some 34 million people—about two-thirds of the population—need humanitarian aid, lacking shelter, medical care, and sufficient food.
Against this backdrop, representatives from 55 countries met in mid-April in Berlin to assess the situation and secure financial aid. Donors pledged a total of 1.5 billion euros for humanitarian purposes. Representatives of Sudanese civil society were also invited to the conference, including Pastor Ibrahim Mohager Abdelaal Mohager.
In conversation, Mohager is cautiously optimistic: "I have hope," he says. "There is a strong will among civil groups and regional actors to work for peace." Never before has civil society been so united. He is "very satisfied" with the conference results, also because it has brought greater public attention to his country's plight.
The Role of Christians in the Peace Process
A key outcome of the conference was a joint statement by the Sudanese participants. They call for an end to the war and the start of a political process that restores the country's unity and sovereignty under civilian leadership. For Pastor Mohager, it is essential that Christians have a voice in this process. Although they are a discriminated and oppressed minority, they can make an important contribution.
"Christians often avoid publicly advocating for their own concerns," Mohager explains. "They prefer to stay back and remain neutral." Through his organization "Living Hope Ministry and Aid Service," he works to ensure that churches have a seat at the negotiating table. Because in a crisis, Christians can help create something new: a secular state where all people have equal rights—regardless of origin, skin color, or religion. A state that favors no religion or ethnicity and where power is democratically legitimized.
The Bible repeatedly calls Christians to work for justice and peace. In Matthew 5:9 (NIV) we read: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This calling applies even in difficult times and dangerous places.
Challenges for Sudanese Christians
The Christian community in Sudan faces great challenges. It is a minority in a predominantly Muslim country and suffers discrimination and oppression. Many Christians are afraid to speak out for fear of reprisals. Yet there are brave people like Pastor Mohager who refuse to be intimidated.
"We pray for peace and justice," says Mohager. "And we work to ensure that the voice of Christians is heard." His organization not only provides humanitarian aid but also promotes dialogue among different groups in Sudan. Because only together can a lasting solution be found.
The International Community Must Act
The Berlin conference was an important step, but aid must continue. The pledged 1.5 billion euros are just a drop in the bucket.
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