Muslim World League Condemns Attacks on Displaced Persons Camps in Sudan

The Muslim World League (MWL) has condemned the recent attacks on displaced persons camps near El Fasher in western Sudan, which resulted in deaths and injuries, drawing a sharp rebuke from its Secretary-General. In a statement issued on April 13, 2025, by the MWL General Secretariat in Makkah, the organization’s leadership described the violence as a grave violation of religious and humanitarian principles. The condemnation underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s enduring commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of civilians in the region and beyond. The MWL, a leading international Islamic organization headquartered in the holy city of Makkah, has long served as a voice of moderation and humanitarian advocacy. Its swift response to the tragedy in Sudan reflects the deep concern of the Muslim world for the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The attacks near El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, have heightened fears for the safety of thousands of displaced civilians who have already endured years of conflict and displacement. The MWL’s statement comes at a critical moment, as international and regional stakeholders seek to halt the escalating violence and restore hope for a peaceful resolution. Why does this condemnation matter so profoundly for the people of Sudan and for the broader region? The answer lies in the moral authority of the MWL and the weight it carries in mobilizing humanitarian and diplomatic support.

Context and Background

What has led to the current crisis in Sudan, and why has the Muslim World League stepped forward so decisively? The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. El Fasher, a city in western Sudan already hosting large numbers of internally displaced persons, has become a flashpoint for renewed violence. The attacks on displacement camps near the city have killed and injured civilians, many of whom had fled earlier fighting in search of safety. The MWL’s statement, issued through its General Secretariat, characterizes these attacks as a reversal of the Jeddah Declaration, a set of commitments aimed at protecting civilians and facilitating humanitarian access. By invoking the Jeddah Declaration, the MWL ties the recent violence to a broader framework of peace efforts that Saudi Arabia helped broker.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has consistently used its diplomatic good offices to encourage dialogue and reconciliation in Sudan. In 2023, Saudi Arabia co-hosted talks in Jeddah that produced commitments from Sudan’s warring parties to protect civilians and allow aid deliveries. The MWL, under the leadership of Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, has echoed these efforts, reminding all parties of their moral and religious obligations. Who can remain indifferent to the plight of families uprooted from their homes and now facing yet another wave of violence? The MWL’s condemnation serves as a moral clarion call, urging the international community to redouble its efforts to protect the vulnerable.

The organization’s stance is rooted in Islamic principles of compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human life. As an institution representing Muslims worldwide, the MWL frequently issues statements on humanitarian crises, but its intervention in Sudan carries particular weight given the country’s strategic importance and the deep historical ties between Sudan and the broader Islamic world. By speaking out, the MWL amplifies the voice of the voiceless and reinforces the message that attacks on displaced persons are unacceptable under any circumstances.

Key Details of the Condemnation

What exactly did the MWL say, and why are its words resonating across the region? In the statement, MWL Secretary-General and President of the Association of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa expressed his strong condemnation of the attacks, describing them as a reversal of the Jeddah Declaration and a violation of all religious and humanitarian norms. He conveyed solidarity with the Sudanese people and offered his condolences to the families of the victims. The statement was issued by the General Secretariat in Makkah, the MWL’s headquarters, and was carried by the Saudi Press Agency, underscoring the official nature of the condemnation.

Dr. Al-Issa’s dual role as head of the MWL and the Association of Muslim Scholars lends significant credibility to the statement. The Association of Muslim Scholars is a body of prominent Islamic scholars that promotes moderate Islamic thought and provides guidance on contemporary issues. His condemnation therefore reflects not only the institutional position of the MWL but also the consensus of leading Islamic scholars who reject violence against civilians. The statement’s emphasis on the Jeddah Declaration is particularly significant, as it frames the attacks as a breach of commitments made in a process facilitated by Saudi Arabia. This linkage highlights the Kingdom’s role as a peacemaker and the MWL’s alignment with Saudi diplomatic efforts.

The statement also serves as a reminder of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan. Displaced persons camps, already precarious, have become targets, exacerbating an already dire situation. The MWL’s call for the protection of civilians aligns with international humanitarian law and Islamic teachings that prohibit targeting non-combatants. How can the world ignore the suffering of those who have already lost so much? The MWL’s message is a rallying cry for global conscience and action.

International and Regional Impact

How will the MWL’s condemnation influence the international response to the crisis in Sudan? The statement adds a powerful Islamic voice to the chorus of global condemnations, reinforcing the urgency of protecting civilians and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access. The MWL’s intervention is likely to resonate in capitals across the Muslim world, where its opinions are respected and its moral authority is acknowledged. By explicitly referencing the Jeddah Declaration, the MWL links the current violence to the peace process that Saudi Arabia and its partners have championed, thereby increasing pressure on the warring parties to honor their commitments.

Regionally, the condemnation serves as a reminder of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing engagement in Sudanese affairs. The Kingdom has provided humanitarian aid, hosted peace talks, and advocated for a political solution. The MWL’s statement amplifies these efforts and signals that the Islamic world stands united in its opposition to violence against the innocent. Why should the international community care about a condemnation from a religious organization? Because the MWL’s words carry the weight of moral persuasion and can galvanize action among governments, donors, and humanitarian agencies.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What are the broader implications of the MWL’s stance for stability in the region? Sudan’s strategic location, bordering the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, makes its stability critical to regional security and maritime trade. The ongoing conflict has disrupted supply chains, displaced millions, and created a humanitarian emergency that threatens to spill over into neighboring countries. The MWL’s condemnation, by underscoring the need for peace, contributes to efforts to stabilize the region and protect vital economic corridors. Saudi Arabia, as a major economic power and a leader in the Islamic world, has a vested interest in a peaceful and prosperous Sudan.

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda emphasizes international cooperation, humanitarian relief, and the promotion of moderate Islam. The MWL’s statement aligns with these objectives by advocating for the protection of civilians and the rule of law. By supporting peace in Sudan, the MWL and Saudi Arabia contribute to a more stable and interconnected region, which in turn supports global trade and investment. Who benefits from peace in Sudan? Not only the Sudanese people but also the entire region and the international community, which relies on the free flow of goods and people through the Red Sea and beyond.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the MWL’s condemnation reflect the principles of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is not only an economic blueprint but also a moral and humanitarian vision that seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s global role as a force for good. The MWL, as a key institution based in Makkah, embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to moderate Islam and humanitarian values. Its swift condemnation of attacks on displaced persons camps in Sudan showcases the Kingdom’s proactive diplomacy and its willingness to speak out against injustice. Under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the MWL has become a prominent voice for moderation and peace, working closely with the Saudi government to promote these values worldwide.

The statement also reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a mediator and peacemaker, a role that is central to Vision 2030’s foreign policy objectives. By condemning the violence and calling for respect for the Jeddah Declaration, the MWL supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bring stability to Sudan and the wider region. This aligns with the Vision’s emphasis on international cooperation and the protection of human dignity. As Saudi Arabia continues to modernize and open up to the world, its commitment to humanitarian causes remains steadfast, and the MWL’s actions are a testament to that enduring commitment.

20 Questions

Q1. What did the Muslim World League condemn?

A1. The Muslim World League condemned the recent attacks on displaced persons camps near El Fasher in western Sudan, which resulted in deaths and injuries. The organization’s General Secretariat issued a statement on April 13, 2025.

Q2. Who is the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League?

A2. The Secretary-General is Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who also serves as President of the Association of Muslim Scholars. He issued the condemnation in an official statement.

Q3. Where was the MWL statement issued?

A3. The statement was issued by the General Secretariat of the Muslim World League in Makkah, the holy city and headquarters of the organization, and was reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q4. What did Dr. Al-Issa say about the attacks?

A4. He condemned the attacks as a reversal of the Jeddah Declaration and a violation of all religious and humanitarian norms. He also expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people and offered condolences to the victims’ families.

Q5. What is the Jeddah Declaration?

A5. The Jeddah Declaration refers to commitments made by Sudan’s warring parties in talks hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2023, aimed at protecting civilians and allowing humanitarian access. The MWL views the attacks as a breach of these commitments.

Q6. Why is the MWL’s condemnation significant?

A6. The MWL is a leading international Islamic organization with moral authority. Its condemnation amplifies the call for protection of civilians and adds weight to international efforts to end the violence in Sudan.

Q7. What is the Association of Muslim Scholars?

A7. The Association of Muslim Scholars is a body of prominent Islamic scholars that promotes moderate Islamic thought. Dr. Al-Issa presides over it, adding scholarly consensus to the MWL’s condemnation.

Q8. How does the condemnation align with Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy?

A8. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s role as a peacemaker and mediator in Sudan. The Kingdom has hosted peace talks and provided humanitarian aid, and the MWL’s statement supports these diplomatic efforts.

Q9. What is the humanitarian situation in El Fasher?

A9. El Fasher, in North Darfur, hosts many displaced persons and has seen renewed violence. The attacks on camps have killed and injured civilians, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Q10. What does the MWL hope to achieve with this statement?

A10. The MWL aims to pressure warring parties to respect humanitarian law, mobilize international support for civilians, and reinforce the moral imperative to protect the vulnerable in Sudan.

Q11. How has the international community reacted to the MWL’s statement?

A11. The statement has been widely reported, adding an Islamic voice to global condemnations. It is expected to resonate in Muslim-majority countries and among humanitarian organizations.

Q12. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in the Sudan conflict?

A12. Saudi Arabia has facilitated peace talks, provided humanitarian assistance, and advocated for a political solution. The MWL’s condemnation reflects the Kingdom’s continued engagement in Sudanese affairs.

Q13. Why are displaced persons camps targeted?

A13. The MWL statement does not specify motives, but such attacks often occur in conflict zones where civilians are vulnerable. The MWL condemns them as violations of religious and humanitarian norms.

Q14. What does the MWL’s statement say about solidarity with Sudanese people?

A14. Dr. Al-Issa expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people and offered condolences to the families of victims. The statement reflects the MWL’s commitment to standing with those affected by conflict.

Q15. How does this event relate to Vision 2030?

A15. Vision 2030 emphasizes humanitarianism and global cooperation. The MWL’s condemnation reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to these values and its proactive role in promoting peace and moderation.

Q16. What is the MWL’s general stance on violence?

A16. The MWL consistently condemns violence against civilians and promotes peace, moderation, and interfaith dialogue. Its statements on Sudan are part of a broader advocacy for human dignity.

Q17. How can the international community support Sudan?

A17. The international community can pressure warring parties to cease hostilities, provide humanitarian aid, and support peace initiatives. The MWL’s statement encourages such collective action.

Q18. What is the significance of the timing of the statement?

A18. The statement was issued on April 13, 2025, shortly after the attacks, demonstrating the MWL’s swift response and its attention to emerging crises in the Muslim world.

Q19. How does the MWL’s condemnation reflect Islamic principles?

A19. It reflects the Islamic principles of compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human life. Islam prohibits targeting non-combatants, and the MWL upholds these teachings.

Q20. What role does the Saudi Press Agency play in disseminating such statements?

A20. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) is the official national news agency of Saudi Arabia, ensuring that official statements like the MWL’s condemnation reach a wide audience accurately and promptly.

Reader Feedback

We value your thoughts. Please share your feedback on this article.

Name *

Message *

Your feedback helps us improve our coverage.