Sudan’s Wartime Gold Trade: An Economic Lifeline Amidst Conflict
Sudan’s war has led to a thriving gold trade primarily funneled through the UAE, enriching both the military and paramilitary forces. Despite economic devastation, gold production has surged to unprecedented levels. Allegations against the UAE highlight its role in facilitating this trade, raising concerns about the implications for ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.
Sudan’s gold industry is integral to its ongoing conflict, as nearly all gold trade is routed through the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the devastation of Sudan’s economy by a two-year war, the army-backed government reported record gold production for 2024, highlighting the demand for gold as a significant factor in sustaining the conflict. Economist Abdelazim al-Amawy emphasized the necessity of addressing gold trafficking to resolve the war.
A UAE official has rejected all allegations of gold smuggling, asserting their unfounded nature. However, evidence from Sudanese officials and Swissaid’s research indicates that the overwhelming majority of Sudan’s gold either follows official trade routes or is smuggled directly to the UAE, including ownership of the country’s most profitable mine by Emirati interests. The Sudan Mineral Resources Company reported gold production increased substantially this year, indicating a rise in both legal and illegal exports.
Significantly, many mines operated by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces are located near Sudan’s borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic, facilitating the smuggling of gold to the UAE via other countries. Sudan has brought a case against the UAE to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of complicity in genocide by the RSF. The UAE has called this accusation a publicity stunt while indirectly supporting Sudan’s wartime gold operations.
The Kush mine, a critical site in Sudan’s gold sector, resumed operations despite the war and is now producing a substantial amount of gold, which is largely attributed to Emirati investment. Additionally, the UAE has emerged as the world’s second-largest gold exporter and is a primary destination for smuggled African gold, raising concerns about the effectiveness of its regulatory frameworks.
In the Darfur region, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has built his empire around control of gold mines, reportedly generating billions to fund military efforts. The clandestine transportation routes that lead gold to the UAE highlight the systemic issues within the region’s gold trade and its ramifications for ongoing violence. Analysts assert that the UAE’s lack of rigorous regulation continues to facilitate the conflict economy.
In conclusion, Sudan’s wartime gold trade is deeply intertwined with the conflict and heavily reliant on the UAE, which serves as a major hub for both legal and smuggled gold. Despite official denials from the UAE regarding its involvement, evidence suggests that both the Sudanese government and paramilitary forces benefit significantly from this trade. The situation underscores the challenges in the region, as enormous gold wealth fuels warfare and complicates prospects for peace.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
