In Sudan, militants brutally executed a pastor and local residents

A tragedy has occurred in the Sudanese city of Heban: armed militants carried out the extrajudicial execution of Adil Idris Jangula, a pastor of the Sudanese Episcopal Church, and six civilians. The incident triggered an escalation of interethnic violence in the region, according to and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

The incident occurred on July 23, 2026, in the Nubian Mountains region. Members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM/N) raided the church compound and abducted Pastor Jangula. Shortly thereafter, his body, along with the bodies of six other people, was found on the road. Human rights activists classify the incident as a premeditated murder.

The attack sparked a large-scale conflict in which at least 10 people were killed and dozens of civilians, including children, were taken hostage. Thanks to the active intervention of religious leaders, the hostages were freed on July 28. CSW President Mervin Thomas expressed serious concern over the rise of ethnic intolerance in the region, which has historically been known for interfaith harmony.

The human rights situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate rapidly. Local groups are increasingly using radical interpretations of the law to discriminate against Christians, resorting to forced conversions, physical violence, and the seizure of church property for military purposes. Previously, there were reports of Christian refugees being tortured within the country.