The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the deadly drone strike that hit a mosque in El-Fasher’s Al-Dereija neighborhood, North Darfur, at dawn on Friday, killing a large number of worshippers. The attack, which occurred near Abu Shouk camp, triggered widespread condemnation from Sudan’s Sovereign Council, the Council of Ministers, the Darfur Regional Government, and various political and civil movements, as well as armed groups.
UN condemnation
Denise Brown, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, released an official statement expressing full solidarity with the affected families. She emphasized that international humanitarian law obliges the protection of places of worship and civilians during religious observance. She stressed that the deliberate targeting of mosques is a grave violation that demands investigation and accountability, particularly amid reports tying the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Brown called for an urgent investigation and accountability for those responsible. She underlined that protecting civilians and religious, medical, and educational facilities must remain a priority in any conflict. She further urged all parties to take precautions to prevent such attacks from recurring, as they only deepen civilian suffering and worsen already dire humanitarian conditions.
The UN statement noted that the RSF siege on El-Fasher has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, cutting off essential supplies of food, medicine, and life-saving materials. The organization urged unhindered humanitarian access, warning that the continued blockade threatens thousands of civilian lives and obstructs relief efforts.
Earlier, the UN Secretary-General had called for an immediate ceasefire in and around El-Fasher to contain the military escalation and create a safe environment for civilians. His appeal came amid mounting violence in the city since the outbreak of Sudan’s armed conflict.
African Union reaction
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf strongly condemned the drone strike, describing it as “heinous” and confirming that it killed more than 75 worshippers during dawn prayers on September 19, 2025. In a Saturday statement, he said the attack represented a blatant violation of humanitarian law and basic human values.
Youssouf extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Sudan, renewed his urgent call for an unconditional nationwide ceasefire, and reaffirmed that a comprehensive political dialogue is the only viable path toward a just, peaceful, and sustainable settlement in Sudan. He stressed the AU’s solidarity with the Sudanese people and its readiness to work with both national and international actors in pursuit of peace and unity.
Local reactions in Sudan
Inside Sudan, the attack ignited strong condemnations. The Sovereign Council, the Council of Ministers, the Darfur Regional Government, the National Umma Party, and several armed movements all issued statements denouncing the massacre and calling for respect of international law and civilian protection, especially in places of worship.
The Emergency Lawyers Group also branded the assault a “serious violation of international humanitarian law,” explaining that a drone targeted the mosque during dawn prayers, killing scores and destroying the building. The group placed full responsibility on the RSF and urged swift international intervention to protect civilians in El-Fasher and across Sudan.
Its legal statement underscored that attacks on civilians and religious sites are clear breaches of international conventions, humanitarian norms, and religious values. It demanded effective UN and international measures to stop repeated violations, safeguard civilians in conflict zones, and end ongoing assaults that threaten lives and undermine stability.
Background
On the morning of Friday, September 19, 2025, a drone strike hit a mosque in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, during dawn prayers. The attack left dozens dead and injured—mostly civilians, including elders and youth. The Sudanese government accused the RSF of carrying out the strike.
The massacre came amid escalating RSF military operations to seize El-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last major stronghold in Darfur. Continuous shelling, siege, and repeated assaults have deepened the humanitarian crisis, leaving residents with severe shortages of food and medicine.
The attack on the mosque was condemned both domestically and internationally as a horrific crime against defenseless civilians in a house of worship, widely described as one of the worst attacks on civilians since the war erupted more than two years ago.
Al-Yurae – Local press and outlets
