The role of the Church in the Sudanese civil wars (1955-1972)

Abstract

As a result of the disputes that Sudan experienced between the central government in Khartoum and religious minorities in the south, international church bodies were called upon to intervene, whose humanitarian activities represented a humanitarian mission. The position of the Sudanese Council of Churches during the First Civil War (1955-1972) was humanitarian and peaceful, defending the rights of southerners, with limited involvement in politics and a constant call for dialogue and peace, and rejecting violence at first. Later, it expanded into the southern region, contributing to supporting southerners in all areas. It also worked to convince them of the idea of ​​secession and the necessity of forming a state that would preserve the rights of southerners and protect their dignity, relying on a set of strategies and methods through giving the issue an international dimension, which has received widespread support and acceptance from regional and international parties. Many researchers believe that despite the humanitarian work carried out by international church organizations in assisting religious minorities in South Sudan and contributing to the revival of development in the southern region, their role serves external political objectives.