Hunger and Elections in Sudan

Christians in Sudan are suffering and face an uncertain future. This week, Sudan is having elections, which have already been compromised. Church leaders in Sudan are asking for prayer. One says, “We have spent many years fighting for our right to freedom of worship to protect us from the spread of Islam and now we need the prayers of the world to help us in these elections.” The elections have been extended until Thursday.

What does persecution look like in Sudan? My mind rarely connects persecution with hunger, but in Sudan, hunger is a weapon. Elizabeth Kendal writes, “One of the Government of Sudan’s (GoS’s) favorite weapons of war during the 21 year-long jihad against the south (1983-2005) was engineered famine. The present famine in Akobo, Southern Sudan, should be viewed in this light.” Some regions of Sudan have so much food that they are exporting crops and could become “Africa’s breadbasket.” Yet in other parts of Sudan, 46% of the children are malnourished. I am horrified by the pictures of these precious little ones. Some children survive primarily on fortified peanut butter, and some families of five have only a cup of grain for two days. One doctor in Sudan reports that even those who have money are in trouble because “there is nothing to buy.” This tragic situation is in part the result of jihad against Christians.

I can’t say I really understand what the Christians of Sudan are suffering. I am saddened by the pictures of shriveled children, but I don’t really know what it is like for hunger to be a constant enemy. When I see this suffering as a result of jihad, I am thankful that my God, the true God, does not ask for His followers to wage a hunger war. He is the God who says to love our enemies, and if our enemy is hungry, to give him bread to eat.