WCC News: WCC expresses grave concern over violence, reported atrocities in Sudan

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed grave concern over reports emerging from El Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan following the recent capture of the city by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.  Destroyed clinic in the village of Labado in Darfur, Sudan. Photo: Paul Jeffrey/Life on Earth 29 October 2025 “Accounts given by people who have escaped from the latest violence, as well as other reports, indicate ethnically-motivated mass killings, other war crimes and crimes against humanity, and widespread destruction in the city,” said Pillay. “Drone strikes, artillery shelling, and attacks on civilian areas—including mosques, displacement camps, and shelters—are widely reported, and represent a devastating escalation of human suffering in the region.” Among other atrocities was an attack on a mosque in El Fasher’s Al-Daraja neighbourhood, where displaced persons from the Abu Shouk camp had sought refuge. “Such acts are morally indefensible and constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Pillay. “We appeal for the preservation and protection of lives and communities in the region.” Pillay expressed solidarity with the people, churches, and religious communities of Sudan who continue to endure unimaginable hardship amid conflict, displacement, and hunger.  “We urge the international community, the African Union, and regional organizations to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to end the violence, protect civilians, and ensure adequate humanitarian assistance to all those displaced and otherwise affected by the violence,” said Pillay. “As a fellowship of churches committed to justice and peace, the WCC continues to accompany the people of Sudan in prayer and advocacy.” WCC Statement on the violence and reported atrocities in El Fasher, Darfur See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland