Arab, Sudanese in Canada

Introduction / History

The Sudanese Arabs originated in the Khartoum region of Sudan many centuries ago. Today, they live primarily in northern and central Sudan and in Egypt. A few groups are also scattered in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Libya, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates.

The first "pure" Arabs were called "Bedouins." They were tribal nomads from Saudi Arabia, famous for their love of poetry and war. The Sudanese are a tribe who branched off of the Bedouins. Sudanese Arabs have also intermarried with African tribes, so they are a hybrid Arab culture.

For decades, Sudan has been wracked with bloodshed. First there was fighting between the "Arab" northerners and the southern African peoples. The violence did not stop after the southern regions split into a different country. Killings, mass rapes, looting of livestock and burning of villages by the Arab militia, janjaweed, have devastated Sudan. Though the African populations have been most affected by this, there is much violence against the Arab populations as well. Some of the Arab people have had no choice but to leave Sudan.

Where Are they Located?

Sudanese Arabs in Canada live in Toronto, Hamilton, Calgary, and other urban centers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Sudanese Arabs in Canada are unemployed due to a lack of language or job skills.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sudanese Arabs are Muslims, as are most Arabs. Identification with the Islamic religion is one of the primary cultural characteristics of most Arabs. They are devoted to their faith, and this is evident in their daily life.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sudanese Arabs have left a land of cruel violence and abuse. Some are traumatized. Most all of them need language and work skills so they can take on new lives in Canada.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call out prayer teams to break up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray for additional Bibles and Christian literature to be provided for Sudanese Arabs in Canada.
Pray that God will raise up long term workers to join those who have already responded to frontier mission work in Canada.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will complete the work begun in the hearts of Sudanese Arabs through adequate discipleship.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Sudanese Arabs for the glory of his name!

Text Source:   Keith Carey