At least fifteen people dead in SAF airstrike on mosque in Sudan

The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) dropped barrel bombs indiscriminately on the Sheikh El Jeili Mosque in Wad Madani, Gezira State after evening prayers on 20 October.

The Wad Madani Resistance Committees confirmed that 15 victims have been identified, while ‘dozens of body parts and corpses are yet to be identified.’ Local reports suggest the total number of casualties could be as high as 31.

This is not the first time that places of worship have been targeted in the war between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began on 15 April 2023. In November 2023 the largest church in Omdurman was bombed by the SAF, while the RSF has repeatedly attacked churches. In March 2024, SAF-affiliated Islamist militia detonated explosives inside a mosque, also in Omdurman.

The attack on the Sheikh El Jeili Mosque comes at a time of increased fighting across the country, including in Gezira State. The RSF have attacked villages in the state following the defection of one of its commanders, Abu Aqla Kikal, to the SAF on 20 October. On 25 October at least 124 people were killed in an attack that led to thousands being forcibly displaced. Disturbing reports also circulated suggesting that a number of women had committed mass suicide in the wake of the RSF attacks to avoid being subjected to sexual violence, sexual slavery or kidnapping by the armed group. There are also reports of the RSF separating men in the community and detaining some in a local mosque. Others were marched into fields and killed.

Mervyn Thomas, CSW’s Founder President, said ‘We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the aerial bombardment of the Sheikh El Jeili Mosque. Attacks on places of worship where civilians are gathered and seek refuge constitute severe breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law, which international bodies, including the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, must document thoroughly. The attacks on civilians in Gezira State underscore the urgent need for coordinated international protection mechanisms, especially for vulnerable groups such as women and girls and minority communities. The emerging reports of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, the targeting of civilians and looting are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. All parties to the conflict must be pressured to protect civilians in accordance with their obligations under international law and the Jeddah Agreements. Additionally, steps must be taken to stem the proliferation of arms into Sudan and to penalise those responsible for this.’