Sudan Loses 'True Hero of War' in El Fasher After Activist's Desperate Calls for Help Went Unheeded 
Mohamed Khamis Douda's daily struggle to keep El Fasher survivors informed was futile. His attempts to escape the besieged city fell on deaf ears, and his warnings about an impending massacre by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces went unheeded. The 26-year-old activist's death will have a profound impact on those fighting for Sudanese democracy.
In the last weeks before El Fasher fell, Douda documented the horrors that he faced living under siege in the city. His videos showed people struggling to find food and water as militiamen controlled supplies. He revealed his own struggles with hunger and fear as artillery shelled the city, and he spoke out against Colombian mercenaries fighting on its periphery.
Despite sharing his plight online through Facebook, Douda's efforts failed to save him. As his phone went silent for long periods, he believed that others might be more proactive in helping him escape. His calls for action were ignored as the Rapid Support Forces carried out a devastating attack on Sunday, October 26, killing dozens while praying in a mosque and leading to further arrests.
Campaign groups such as Avaaz have condemned the RSF's actions, saying the activist was targeted because of his outspoken efforts to expose atrocities. The loss of Douda will be deeply felt among those fighting for Sudanese democracy, with many describing him as a hero who gave his life to highlight human rights abuses in Zamzam and El Fasher.
His death is a stark reminder that the struggles of activists like Mohamed Khamis Douda are often met with indifference from the international community. As the world mourns the loss of this brave young activist, there will be many reflecting on how his courageous efforts were not enough to save him.
				
			Mohamed Khamis Douda's daily struggle to keep El Fasher survivors informed was futile. His attempts to escape the besieged city fell on deaf ears, and his warnings about an impending massacre by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces went unheeded. The 26-year-old activist's death will have a profound impact on those fighting for Sudanese democracy.
In the last weeks before El Fasher fell, Douda documented the horrors that he faced living under siege in the city. His videos showed people struggling to find food and water as militiamen controlled supplies. He revealed his own struggles with hunger and fear as artillery shelled the city, and he spoke out against Colombian mercenaries fighting on its periphery.
Despite sharing his plight online through Facebook, Douda's efforts failed to save him. As his phone went silent for long periods, he believed that others might be more proactive in helping him escape. His calls for action were ignored as the Rapid Support Forces carried out a devastating attack on Sunday, October 26, killing dozens while praying in a mosque and leading to further arrests.
Campaign groups such as Avaaz have condemned the RSF's actions, saying the activist was targeted because of his outspoken efforts to expose atrocities. The loss of Douda will be deeply felt among those fighting for Sudanese democracy, with many describing him as a hero who gave his life to highlight human rights abuses in Zamzam and El Fasher.
His death is a stark reminder that the struggles of activists like Mohamed Khamis Douda are often met with indifference from the international community. As the world mourns the loss of this brave young activist, there will be many reflecting on how his courageous efforts were not enough to save him.