Muslim UPGs of the Nuba Mountains
Population: About 2.8 million
The total population of the Nuba Mountain region is approximately 4.2 million. It is estimated that over a million Nuba are internally displaced, and many have fled to neighboring countries, others have permanently resettled in the North.
Location and Background:The Nuba mountains are located in South Kordofan State in Central Sudan. It is a remote and inaccessible area; traditionally a place of refuge for people fleeing oppression.
History: Nuba people are comprised of perhaps more than 90 different ethnic groups with unique language and culture. Out of more than 90 tribes 60 remain Unreached and Unengaged. There has been enmity between Nuba peoples and the ruling Arab Sudanese for a long time.
The Nuba Mountain Region of Sudan has experienced conflict and crisis for many years, with fighting between the Sudanese government forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement (SPLM). The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity and human rights abuses.
In the current war crisis in Khartoum, over 400,000 Sudanese and Nubans have fled to Nuba Mountains for refuge, with mixed flow movement projected to continue to rise if the conflict expands.
Culture: Nuba people practice farming during the rainy season and raise livestock, mainly cattle and goats. They grow crops such as maize and sorghum cultivated without irrigation.
They are known for their traditional wrestling competition, which is still common practice in the community and promotes their culture as well as individuals’ personal strength and village pride.
Religion:Â Islam
Hope in Present Suffering
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Please continue to pray for Sudan as drone attacks and ongoing fighting destroy hospitals, displace thousands, and take civilian lives. Many communities are living in constant fear, with access to healthcare becoming increasingly limited. Pray for protection over civilians, medical workers, and aid providers, and ask God to bring restraint and wisdom to those in positions of leadership. Pray that the Lord would intervene with justice and mercy, and that decisions made in this critical time would lead toward peace. Above all, ask that even in the midst of violence and loss, many would turn to the one true God and find hope that goes beyond present suffering.
Separation and Loss
Nuba Mtn Muslim UPGs: Communication has become increasingly difficult as people relocate frequently to avoid conflict zones. Some ministry leaders have gone days without hearing from close relatives, not knowing whether they are alive, hiding, or displaced. A training center that had recently been full of worship, teaching, and preparation for outreach now sits largely abandoned after students and staff fled during nearby fighting. Personal belongings, books, and supplies were left behind in haste. Pray for separated families to reconnect safely. Pray for courage and endurance among local pastors and ministry leaders carrying heavy emotional burdens. Pray for wisdom as leaders make difficult decisions with limited information. Ask for moments of quiet and safety where people can rest physically and spiritually. Lift up younger believers especially who are experiencing these intense trials that fear would not harden hearts or extinguish faith.
