Copts in Sudan

Copts in Sudan
Total population
400,000–500,000 (2008)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Dongola, Khartoum, Wad Madani, El Obeid, Port Sudan, Atbara and Omdurman
Languages
Egyptian Arabic, English
Liturgical: Coptic
Religion
Coptic Orthodoxy
Holy Mary Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, Khartoum, Sudan.

Sudan has a native Coptic minority, although many Copts in Sudan are descended from more recent Coptic immigrants from Egypt.[1] Copts in Sudan live mostly in northern cities, including Al Obeid, Atbara, Dongola, Khartoum, Omdurman, Port Sudan, and Wad Medani.[1] They number between 400,000-500,000, or slightly over 1% of the Sudanese population.[1] Due to their advanced education, their role in the life of the country has been more significant than their numbers suggest.[1]

Modern immigration of Copts to Sudan peaked in the early 19th century, and they generally received a tolerant welcome there. However, this was interrupted by a decade of persecution under Mahdist rule at the end of the 19th century.[1] As a result of this persecution, many were forced to relinquish their faith, adopt Islam, and intermarry with the native Sudanese. The Anglo-Egyptian invasion in 1898 allowed Copts greater religious and economic freedom, and they extended their original roles as artisans and merchants into trading, banking, engineering, medicine, and the civil service. Proficiency in business and administration made them a privileged minority.

Today, the Coptic Church in Sudan is officially registered with the government, and is exempt from property tax.[1] In 2005, the Sudanese government of National Unity (GNU) named a Coptic Orthodox priest to a government position.[1] After the Sudanese Revolution of 2019, a Coptic Orthodox priest led the inauguration of the new prime minister of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok. A Coptic Christian woman, Raja Nicola, was also appointed to serve in Sudan's new Transitional Council.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples – Sudan : Copts, 2008, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/49749ca6c.html [accessed 21 December 2010]
  2. ^ "Women take prominent place in Sudanese politics as Abdalla Hamdok names cabinet". The National. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 11 December 2019.