Erdoğan condemns El Fasher ‘massacres’, calls for immediate stop

October 31, 2025 (ISTANBUL) – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday strongly condemned the massacres by paramilitary forces in El Fasher, Sudan, demanding an immediate halt to the “atrocities committed against civilians.”

The president’s comments follow widespread international condemnation. On Thursday, the United Nations Security Council condemned the attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, in western Sudan’s North Darfur state, and the atrocities committed against civilians, demanding accountability for the perpetrators.

Similarly, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Wednesday expressed its alarm at the escalating violence and reported atrocities in El Fasher following its capture by the RSF, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and aid delivery.

According to the United Nations, RSF elements carried out mass killings affecting more than 2,000 civilians hours after taking control of El Fasher, in addition to the execution of 460 patients at the Saudi Hospital.

Speaking at the ‘TRT World Forum 2025’ in Istanbul, Erdoğan said the world could not ignore the violence in Sudan.

“No one with a conscience can accept the massacres against civilians in El Fasher; we cannot remain silent and indifferent,” Erdoğan stated. “As Turkey, we strongly condemn the atrocities committed against civilians in El Fasher.”

The Turkish president insisted on an urgent cessation of the violence. “The attacks in El Fasher and its surroundings must be stopped, and the massacres against innocent civilians must cease immediately,” he said.

Erdoğan framed the conflict as part of a larger global failure. “Despite all the resources, all the technology, and the communication revolution experienced in the last 20 years, if children continue to die from Asia to Africa, we all must question ourselves,” he said, referencing the “horrifying images” from Sudan.

He offered Turkish assistance, stating, “We are ready to fulfil whatever is required by our brotherhood, sincerely and openly. As long as brotherly blood is not shed, as long as innocent children, women, and civilians are not killed.”

Erdoğan concluded with a direct appeal to the media, urging them to publicize the crisis. “I expect you, our press members, to raise awareness of the plight of our Sudanese brothers to the world and support this struggle.”