Muslim Elders Council Condemns Targeting of Mosque in Darfur

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly condemned a bombing that hit a mosque in Al-Fashir, North Darfur, killing and injuring dozens of innocent civilians. The council called the attack a clear violation of international humanitarian law and demanded an immediate ceasefire in Sudan's ongoing conflict.

The council, led by Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, said the mosque bombing goes against Islamic teachings, divine laws, and all international treaties and customs. International humanitarian law specifically prohibits attacks on places of worship and requires their protection.

This attack highlights how Sudan's civil war continues to target civilian areas, including religious sites that should be off-limits under international law. The conflict between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has been raging since April 2023, displacing millions and creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

The council renewed its call for international efforts to end the war and protect innocent civilians. It specifically mentioned implementing the Jeddah Declaration, which refers to earlier peace talks mediated by Saudi Arabia and the United States aimed at establishing humanitarian corridors and protecting civilians.

For international observers, Sudan's conflict represents a major test of how effectively regional and global powers can respond to humanitarian crises. The war has disrupted critical supply chains and created refugee flows that affect neighboring countries, particularly Chad and Egypt.

The Muslim Council of Elders offered condolences to the Sudanese people and families of the victims, calling for swift recovery for the injured. The organization has consistently advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts across the Muslim world.