Sudanese Pastors Face Ongoing Threats at South Sudan Refugee Camp

Two pastors from Sudan’s Darfur region, currently residing at the Gorom Refugee Resettlement camp in South Sudan, are reporting persistent death threats from Muslim extremists. Pastor Drij Haruon Khamis and Pastor Adel Idris, both leaders with the Darfur Christian Council, have been targeted following their evangelistic work within the settlement. Tensions escalated on September 25 when an unidentified individual was apprehended by police after loitering outside Pastor Khamis’ home, an incident believed to be linked to a physical assault on the pastor earlier this May.

Local church leaders report that these hostilities are fueled by opposition to Christian conversion among the refugee population, with some extremists allegedly encouraged by a local imam. Many Christians in the camp are converts from Islam, leaving them vulnerable to communal and familial pressure. While South Sudan’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, the pastors have expressed significant concern for their safety and are calling for increased protection from authorities. The Darfur Christian Council has requested prayer as the community navigates these ongoing security challenges.