Nonviolent Peaceforce Mourns the Death of Sarah Mohamed Ahmed, a Frontline Humanitarian in South Kordofan
SUDAN, 22 May 2026 — Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) mourns the death of Sarah Mohamed Ahmed, a frontline humanitarian and social worker with our partner the Darfur Women Action Group (DWAG).
Sarah died on the morning of Thursday 14 May, 2026, succumbing to injuries she received during a violent clash between RSF and SPLM-N in Dilling, South Kordofan, on 12 May, 2026, according to DWAG. Per DWAG, “the severity of her condition and the lack of adequate medical facilities meant she succumbed to her injuries and passed away.”
DWAG, a Darfur-based humanitarian organisation and valued partner of NP, has been providing critical support for civilians, particularly women and children, since 2009. As DWAG noted, Sarah was "not only a dedicated social worker, she was a frontline humanitarian worker who brought hope to her community and was dearly loved by all who knew her... In just few months, she accomplished incredible work in support of her community. From setting up the child-friendly space and the women's protection center, to establishing the protection network to collectively provide life-saving aid to a community cut off from assistance.”
“Sarah’s death once again underscores the devastating toll that armed violence continues to exact on civilian lives in Sudan,” said Armstrong Evans, Nonviolent Peaceforce's Head of Mission in Sudan. “It highlights how survival is further jeopardized by severe transportation challenges, inadequate availability of and access to essential medical care, and a range of other persistent threats.”
Nonviolent Peaceforce condemns the repeated failures to protect civilians and the targeting of humanitarian workers and community volunteers in Sudan. The risks that humanitarian responders face around the world threatens the very foundations of humanitarian response. An urgent and coordinated global effort is needed to reaffirm and uphold the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Nonviolent Peaceforce extends its deepest condolences to Sarah's family, friends, and colleagues at DWAG. We remain committed to protecting civilians in Sudan, and to advocating for the safety and security of all those affected by the conflict.