Sudan: One Step Forward, One Step Back

There was a military-led coup in Sudan on Monday morning leading to the detention of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and several key Sudanese government officials. Hamdok was part of a transitionary government intended to result in joint military and civilian rule in Sudan. The Sovereign Council committee helped to keep the balance of power between the two hostile groups. Sudan has been in a tenuous situation ever since a coup in 2019 eliminated the rule of long-term dictator Omar al-Bashir.

As expected, demonstrators took to the streets immediately following Monday’s coup. The military fired on them killing at least three and injuring at least 80. Hospitals in Khartoum reported incoming patients with bullet wounds.

BBC News reports that the coup will not necessarily lead to a new military government, and they point out that there have been many coup attempts since 2019, one of which happened in September of this year. It’s clear that Sudan is in dire need of servant leadership.

Let us pray fervently for:

  • The Lord to raise up leaders who will serve the people of Sudan rather than use their power for their own purposes. (The Bible, John 13:3-5)
  • The innocent and powerless to be protected by the Lord’s mighty hand. (The Bible, Psalm 91:7-8)
  • Oppression and violence to be replaced by justice and truth. (The Bible, Proverbs 6:18-19)

Sources:

  • BBC News, Sudan Coup: A Really Simple Guide, October 26, 2021
  • AP News, Sudan’s Military Takes Power in Coup, Arrests Prime Minister, October 26, 2021
  • New York Times, Sudan’s Military Seizes Power and Fires on Protesters: News Updates, October 25, 2021