Copts in 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]