On April 12, 2025, news spread across social media that caused widespread concern: reports claimed Sudanese middle-distance runner Abubaker Kaki Khamis had been killed during an artillery strike in Al Fasher, North Darfur.
Thankfully, those reports were wrong.
Sudanese journalist Elias Obanyi Makori quickly moved to correct the narrative, saying he had spoken directly with Kaki by phone. According to Makori, Kaki is alive and well.
Born in 1989 in West Kordofan, Kaki became one of Sudan’s brightest athletic stars. He first gained major recognition by winning gold in the 800 meters at the 2007 All-Africa Games. The following year, he captured the World Indoor title in Valencia, setting a world junior record of 1:44.71.
Kaki successfully defended his indoor world title in 2010 and continued to post impressive performances. His personal best of 1:42.23, recorded in Monaco, remains one of the fastest 800m times ever.
He also represented Sudan at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, becoming a rare symbol of hope and pride for a country facing deep internal conflict. Though injuries and Sudan’s political turmoil eventually impacted his athletic career, Kaki’s legacy in the sport endured.
How the Confusion Happened
Given the dangerous and unstable situation in Sudan, it’s understandable how the false reports gained traction. Al Fasher has been under siege for months, with fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) leading to widespread violence.
Reliable news from Darfur is hard to come by, and with disrupted communications, misinformation spreads easily. The rumor of Kaki’s death was plausible enough to initially fool even seasoned observers.
However, Makori’s confirmation that Kaki is alive quickly put those fears to rest. For safety reasons, Kaki’s current location has not been disclosed.
A Small Bright Spot in a Dark Time
In a country devastated by war, news of Kaki’s survival brought a rare moment of relief. His status as one of Sudan’s most celebrated athletes resonates deeply, especially among those who remember his brilliant performances.
The broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, however, remains dire. According to the United Nations, more than 8 million people have been displaced, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis as of 2025.
