by: Elliott Daniels, CSI Washington Representative

Since I began representing CSI in Washington last September, I have had the opportunity to participate in two operations in Sudan alongside Dr. John Eibner. On these missions, I helped document the liberation of 262 slaves of black-African descent. Most were captured by violent Muslim militias during Sudan’s North/South civil war (1983-2005). The youngest of the slaves were born in captivity.

Each of the liberated slaves come from Christian or traditional homes and were enslaved by Arab Muslim masters. Many were forced to convert to Islam, given new Arab names, and only allowed to speak Arabic. Now rescued from enslavement, they can hear the Good News of the Gospel and choose their faith without compulsion.

The liberated women recount the horrors of genital mutilation, rape, the murder of their husbands, and separation from their children. All who were old enough to work were subjected to slave labor and many were violently beaten.

Among the 262 liberated from slavery this fall by CSI operations are the three following who courageously shared their story with me:

Lual Achuil Akot (40 years old)
“I was abducted more than 20 years ago with my brother. We were separated that day and I never saw him again. My master, Amaran, gave me new name, Ismael, and forced me to pray like a Muslim and cultivate his crops.

“One day three other slaves and I tried to escape from our terrible situation. We were caught in a nearby forest and ordered to return. I agreed, but the others refused. My three friend’s hands were tied behind their backs and their heads were severed from their body with swords. I survived but was nearly killed by my master later when he saw his wife Fatima provide me with the same food as his children.

“I will now go back to Korok, my home village. I was not sure that I would ever come back but I never gave up hope that God would eventually save me.”

Adau Yuon Agoth (23 years old, victim of female genital mutilation)
“I was kidnapped when I was 13 years old along with my brother and two sisters. I never saw them after the day we were taken. I witnessed the murder of two others from my village. I was taken to Mokuga, gang raped, and forced to work. My master’s name was Ali and he would wake me in the middle of the night and force me to clean his cattle’s stable. He insulted me calling me “jengai” (meaning ‘nigger’), but the worst that he did was force me to act as his wife.

“I was enslaved for ten years. Now that I am free I hope to reunite with my siblings and my parents if they are still alive.”

Achiec Kuot Manyol (36 years old, Catholic)
“My Christian name is Santino. I was kidnapped 17 years ago. I witnessed the execution of three others when we were taken so I never attempted to flee. My master, Mohammed, frequently beat me and left me with many scars. He insulted me and forced me to pray like a Muslim, but I avoided it as much as I could. I am happy to return to the Church in the South.

“I am grateful to Adam Musa (the retriever) and I want to thank you white people. Without Adam and you I would still be with Mohammed. May God strengthen you.”

The stories of rescue above represent just a few of the 262 slaves liberated in Sudan by Christian Solidarity International in the fall of 2009. In addition to securing their release and repatriation, CSI provided every liberated slave with provisions urgently needed for their survival (see picture at top of page). Thousands more remain enslaved yet the government of Sudan has no effective mechanism for their release. One Sudanese government official estimated at least 35,000 remained “abducted” and enslaved in the North today. They wait for rescue.

Your support for CSI’s slave liberation programs set captives free and gives life to men, women, and children that may have otherwise died in slavery. Thank you for your continued support in prayer and financially.