24th February 2026

Almost a million Sudanese have crossed the border into Chad since the civil war broke out in 2023. Yesterday Chad closed its border with Sudan. Government spokesperson Gassim Cherif Mahamat said in a statement, that the aim was to "prevent any risk of the conflict spreading to our soil, to protect our citizens and refugee populations, and to guarantee the stability and territorial integrity of our country.”  The closure of the border follows heavy fighting between Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and local fighters aligned to the Sudanese army in the border town of al‑Tina at the weekend. The UN estimate that the war within Sudan has killed more than 40,000 people, although aid groups say the true number could be many times higher.  Sudan now experiences that world’s largest humanitarian crisis.  Over 14 million people have been forcibly displaced and there are outbreaks of disease and famine in parts of Sudan. 

Loving God, we give you thanks and praise the Chad has been so generous in accepting people fleeing war and death, hunger and disease from Sudan. May those in Sudan who covet power and those who seek to fight consider the impact upon the people and turn to peace. Bring justice and healing to this divided land, we pray. May the resources and energies used for war be transfer to ensure all have homes, food, medical care, education, safety and justice. From the darkness, we pray that light will come and the government and rebel forces will treat people with respect and dignity whoever they may be. We ask your consolation and comfort for those who grieve the loss of those they love, and all who mourn the loss of homes and livelihoods.  Grant hope to all feel helpless, healing for people wounded, unity where there is division, security for people at risk, and peace to all who feel afraid. Loving God we also pray for the people of Chad - may they be protected from spreading violence.  May war, death and destruction not be something they experience. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

In the UK Buckinghamshire Christian Aid supporters make more than £1,000 with a foodie fundraiser.  Soup lunch organiser, David Blackmore, said: "On behalf of the team, I’d like to thank all our soup makers, servers and furniture shifters, plus everyone who came along and gave very generously, helping us to raise £1080.45."  In England's small south coast town of Wimborne, a quiz night raised more than £600 for Christian Aid. The money raised will go towards Christian Aid’s Sudan and South Sudan Crisis Appeal. The need there is urgent. After more than 1,000 days of conflict, Christian Aid says Sudan has reached breaking point and is now facing the world’s worst humanitarian and displacement crisis. The charity believes the world’s governments - including the UK Government - have failed to respond with the urgency, leadership, and determination at the scale needed.  Christian Aid and 12 other leading humanitarian organisations have launched a joint petition urging the UK government to take immediate action to help prevent further catastrophe.

A prayer based on Psalms 19 & 98 & 100

We shout for joy to you O Lord.

We worship you with gladness;

and come before you with joyful songs.

For you made us, and we are your people,

the sheep of your pasture.

The heavens declare your glory O God;

the skies proclaim the work of your hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands,

let the mountains sing together for joy;

let them sing before you,

the Lord our maker;

for you are good. 

Your love endures forever;

your faithfulness continues through all generations.

Amen.