The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Yosef, strongly condemned the drone attack on civilians in Al-Fashir, North Darfur, early Friday, which targeted worshippers during dawn prayers at the city’s main mosque. The assault resulted in over 75 civilian deaths, marking one of the deadliest attacks on civilians since the outbreak of the war.
Yosef described the attack as a “gross violation of fundamental human rights and international humanitarian law,” emphasizing that targeting civilians and places of worship is an unjustifiable crime.
He expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Sudan, reaffirming the African Union’s full solidarity with them in this tragic loss.
The AU chair reiterated an urgent call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Sudan to end the daily suffering of civilians. This call aligns with commitments agreed upon in the Jeddah Agreement of May 20, 2023, urging all warring parties to comply without delay. He stressed that “a comprehensive political solution is the only viable path toward a fair, peaceful, and sustainable resolution of the conflict.”
Yosef confirmed that the African Union will continue working closely with all Sudanese parties and regional and international partners to support efforts to restore peace, security, and national unity, while remaining committed to the Sudanese people’s aspirations for peace and stability.
