US, Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemn deadly mosque attack in Sudan’s El Fasher

September 20, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – The United States, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar on Saturday condemned a deadly drone strike on a mosque in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, that killed 75 people during dawn prayers on Friday.

The attack was carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), according to the state governor, who also condemned the incident.

Massad Boulos, the U.S. Presidential Advisor for Africa and Middle East Affairs, said in a press statement that the United States ” strongly condemns the horrific attack on worshippers gathered for Friday prayers at a mosque in El Fasher, North Darfur, which tragically claimed the lives of more than 75 people..”

He stressed that such acts of violence are a reminder of the urgent need for peace and stability in Sudan. Boulos added that his country remains committed to supporting efforts to end the cycle of violence and protect civilians.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.” The Kingdom rejected attacks on civilians and called for an end to the war, urging for the protection of civilians under the terms of the Jeddah Declaration.

The Jeddah Declaration was signed by the army and the RSF in May 2023 following mediation by Riyadh and Washington. It included provisions for civilian protection but was suspended after both sides failed to implement trust-building measures.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed its denunciation of the attack, calling it a blatant violation of international law. The ministry stated that Qatar rejects the targeting of places of worship and the terrorizing of civilians, reaffirming its firm stance against violence and criminal acts.

The RSF has besieged El Fasher since April 2024, deploying thousands of fighters in surrounding villages to block the flow of goods, aid, and medicine. The group has been accused of killing people attempting to transport food into the city.