Evacuating Sudanese Christians Under Fire

Civil War in Sudan and the Targeting of Christians

Sudan became chaotic when rebels launched an assault on the transitional government. This was the return of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), previously known as "Janjaweed."

This violent conflict displaced over 12.5 million people--civilians, especially children, caught in the crossfire. The RSF especially targeted and hunted Christians for execution and destruction of churches.

RSF marked for death two Christian human rights activists who spent years advocating for religious freedom in Sudan. The RSF raided their homes and threatened their families; to survive they fled into hiding.  With no functioning government or police to protect them, these activists and their families had nowhere to turn.

Planning the Extraction Under Fire 

By mid-2023, Sudan became an incredibly dangerous place, with a collapsed government and lawless streets. The RSF controlled much of the country, and it was impossible to find safe routes out. Despite the overwhelming challenges, our Shai Fund team planned a safe extraction of the two Christian families.

With survival costs soaring and resources scarce, we needed to act quickly but carefully. Negotiating for safe passage was difficult with no guarantees the families would make it out safely.

Against the odds, we found a temporary safe house and began making plans. But getting these families out of Sudan was no easy task. Roadblocks were everywhere, and violent militias controlled all major routes. The team had to be strategic, working with local contacts to navigate the volatile conditions.

The Escape: A Dangerous Journey

In July 2023, what should have been a simple journey became a grueling 18-hour ordeal. Roadblocks, unexpected detours, and violent clashes forced them to constantly adjust their route. At one point, an RSF unit stopped the convoy, questioning their intentions. Thanks to careful preparation, the militia found no identifiable Christian symbols. After tense negotiations, they allowed the convoy to continue.

After 18 long hours of navigating through dangerous territory, they reached a secure location. But their journey was far from over. The families still needed legal documents to cross borders and avoid being sent back to Sudan, where they would face certain death.

The Battle for Legal Status and Resettlement

With Sudan in complete collapse, securing legal documents became nearly impossible. The government  stopped issuing passports, and RSF-controlled areas had no legal structures in place. By November 2023, the families moved to a second house in a neighboring country.

Though they were no longer in immediate danger, they still faced the risk of deportation. Deportation back to Sudan would have been their death sentence. Without refugee status or sponsorship, they were vulnerable. We worked to secure the necessary documents, knowing  their survival depended on it.

The Ongoing Struggle of Persecuted Christians

Even after escaping danger, those rescued from religious persecution face enormous challenges. Many arrive in foreign countries without money, legal status, or the ability to support themselves. They also carry deep emotional scars from their experiences, needing time and support to heal.

Even after escaping war zones, survivors of religious persecution face unimaginable challenges. Starting a new life is never easy. But these survivors bear deep emotional and psychological scars from their experience.

Survivors need housing, legal residency, job opportunities, and education. Many have spent years hiding, unable to work or study. Though they are safe, they face the tough reality of rebuilding from nothing.

For us at  Shai Fund, helping these families doesn’t stop with their extraction. Our goals are to ensure they can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Shai Fund helped provide housing and safety, but the work is far from over. These families now need sponsors to help them resettle and start a new life free from fear.