Christian Aid launches Sudan Crisis Appeal

“The attacks and the war came closer and closer to our home. We waited as long as we could, hoping it would calm down, but eventually, we had to leave.

With a child in each hand, 24-year-old Ekram Kamis walked for three days to escape the horrors of war in Sudan. She and her children were then transported further, on a truck typically used for cattle.

Refugees and returnees crossing the border to Renk, South Sudan. Ekram Kamis and daughter Awadia

Ekram is one of around 12 million people who have been displaced because of the ongoing conflict. Many are fleeing across the border to South Sudan, a country hit by the worst floods they’ve seen in decades.

These people have left their homes, jobs, friends and family – and now face further threats of famine and disease. Christian Aid believes we cannot allow them to be forgotten.

As the new year began, the United Nations warned that famine conditions are projected to spread throughout Sudan if humanitarian organisations cannot effectively intervene soon.

Now, following on from its Christmas Appeal, which highlighted the struggles of refugees in South Sudan, Christian Aid is launching the Sudan Crisis Appeal – to help more people impacted by conflict.

Sudan’s civil war erupted in April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. The violence – not only from the fighting but also attacks on women – is forcing millions to flee to other countries, where their problems continue. Many people live under fabric sheets, their only protection from rain and sun. Cholera outbreaks, food shortages, a lack of toilets and showers, and poor healthcare are constant challenges.

The knock-on effects of the war, in neighbouring countries like South Sudan, are creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

Ekram never imagined she would have to leave her home and climb onto a truck heading to an unknown place. She explained: “I just arrived here after walking for three days without food or water. I am terrified of what lies ahead. My children and I are traumatized by this, and now we don’t know what awaits us.”

James Wani, Christian Aid’s South Sudan Country Director said the organisation is working through local partners to help people impacted by the war in Sudan and meet the needs of refugees in South Sudan.

He added: “The crisis is deepening across key regions, as the situation deteriorates. The help we can offer includes providing cash to help people buy what they need most, improving access to water, and providing counselling to help people better cope with the stress and trauma of war. Work is also being done on flood responses, food security and peacebuilding. These are programmes which brings choice, hope and dignity to people who’ve lost so much.”

ACT Alliance and Caritas Internationalis are coordinating in humanitarian response in Sudan to the ongoing crisis which has displaced more than 1/5 of the population. ACT member NCA is meeting the needs of those fleeing the crisis. These pictures are from Joda, where 500-1000 people are crossing the border from Sudan daily. Photo: Håvard Bjelland/NCA

Christian Aid is asking supporters to please help if you can; every prayer, every gift, every action brings hope to people in need.  

Funds raised through this appeal will be provided to CAFOD and Norwegian Church Aid who are working on the ground in Sudan with local partners to deliver emergency support to displaced families and host communities.

In South Sudan, refugees in Wedweil resettlement camp will receive aid as well as South Sudanese returnees living near the camp, and another local organisation – Coalition for Humanity – will work through two women’s centres to raise awareness about violence against women and girls and signpost specialist support services for survivors.

To find out how you can help people like Ekram, please visit the Sudan Crisis Appeal on Christian Aid’s website.

 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you bless the peacemakers and comfort those who mourn.
We pray to you for all people affected by the conflict in Sudan.
May there be hope for healing in the region.
Console with your presence all who are fearful, exhausted, and grieving.
Lord Jesus, you were carried into Egypt in your mother’s arms, in search of safety.
We pray to you for those crossing into South Sudan to escape the violence.
May they have food, water, support and a secure place to stay.
Shelter with your love all who have had to leave their homes and face an uncertain future.
Lord Jesus, you challenge us to love our neighbour, to do good, and to seek justice.
We pray that those who have the power and resources to act will turn their attention to this crisis.
May the supplies and assistance that are so desperately needed come quickly.
Strengthen through your spirit all who are pursuing peace.
Amen.