Mahdi Abdelrahman

Their life

Mahdi Abdelrahman was a 37-year-old displaced person from the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, Sudan. He was tragically killed on the evening of Wednesday, January 19, 2022, during an attack near Foul Abyad, around 7 kilometers west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

Mahdi Abdelrahman was a 37-year-old displaced person from the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, Sudan. He was tragically killed on the evening of Wednesday, January 19, 2022, during an attack near Foul Abyad, around 7 kilometers west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur.

Background:
Mahdi Abdelrahman was part of a group of displaced individuals who, after a theft of 450 sheep and the kidnapping of a shepherd, set out to track down the perpetrators. During their search, the group was ambushed by gunmen.

Mahdi and Haroun Jali (40) were killed in the initial attack, while others were injured. The situation escalated when another vehicle was sent to recover the bodies, but gunmen opened fire again, leading to the deaths of Abubakar Abdallah, Haidar Idris, and Mohamed Ashour.

Reaction and Protests:
The attack sparked protests by the displaced people of Zamzam camp, who blocked the road between El Fasher and Nyala and demanded justice for those killed in the attack.

Mahdi's death is a tragic reflection of the ongoing violence and instability in North Darfur, exacerbated by criminal attacks, paramilitary activities, and the complex situation of displaced communities.

How they died

Killed by opened fire

A plea from the family

There are no specific, detailed reports regarding the pleas of surviving relatives of Mahdi Abdelrahman. However, based on the events surrounding the attack and the aftermath: Surviving Relatives' Reactions: After the attack, displaced people from the Zamzam camp, including Mahdi's relatives, participated in large protests, carrying the bodies of the dead and demanding justice. The demonstrators chanted slogans seeking retribution for the killings and protection for the displaced community. This response reflects the deep grief and anger of the families affected, including Mahdi's own family. Community Appeal: The community's demand for justice was also echoed by local leaders, including the Acting Governor of North Darfur, who promised to bring the perpetrators to justice. These collective actions indicate that the surviving relatives and the broader community were seeking accountability and the protection of displaced persons from further violence.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Mahdi Abdelrahman, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources