Sudan Detains Christian Doctor Over Faith Amid Rising Repression
Sudan Detains Christian Doctor Over Faith Amid Rising Repression
The recent detention of a Christian medical doctor in southeastern Sudan has renewed concerns about religious freedom as the country’s civil war deepens. The incident highlights the growing risks faced by religious minorities under expanding security powers.
Arrest Over Religious Identity
Yagoub Jibril Glademea, a medical doctor, was detained in Ad-Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile State, after officials discovered that he was a Christian. The arrest reportedly occurred when he visited the state Civil Registration office to obtain a national identification number for his niece.
According to local sources, an officer attached to a state Security Cell noticed the religious designation on Glademea’s identification and questioned him about it. When he explained that he had long been a Christian and was not a convert from Islam, the officer allegedly became agitated and ordered his detention.
Held Without Family Access
Glademea was held for three days, from Sunday to Wednesday, and was denied visits from family members. His brother attempted to see him during the detention but was turned away. He was reportedly interrogated several times before being released.
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Security Cells operate across Sudan and are composed of army, police, and intelligence personnel. Human rights groups have accused these units of arbitrary arrests and intimidation, particularly since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
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Release and Public Response
Glademea confirmed his detention and release on Wednesday evening through a Facebook post, thanking those who prayed for him. Originally from Sennar State, he had worked previously in Blue Nile State before relocating to Saudi Arabia as a medical doctor. He returned to Sudan last month to spend Christmas with his family.
Worsening Conditions for Christians
Since the civil war began in April 2023, conditions for Christians in Sudan have deteriorated significantly. Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List reports increased killings, sexual violence, and attacks on churches, homes, and businesses belonging to Christians. Many believers remain trapped in conflict zones, unable to flee.
Sudan is ranked fifth among the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Although religious freedoms briefly improved after the fall of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019, those gains have largely reversed following the military coup of October 2021 and the ongoing war.
A Troubling Signal
Rights advocates say the detention of a doctor solely for identifying as Christian reflects a broader return to repression. For many believers in Sudan, Glademea’s experience is a stark reminder that faith itself is once again becoming a reason for persecution.
Content Credit: Ohidah Oluwaferanmi
Image Credit: Ontheotheworldmap.com
