Sudan’s gold trade has become integral to its ongoing conflict, with almost all exports sent to the UAE, enriching military factions amid economic collapse. Record gold production reports for 2024 highlight this dependence, while smuggling routes complicate international responses. Additionally, Sudan’s allegations against the UAE concerning genocide reveal the intricate connections between war, gold, and regional stability.
Sudan’s gold industry has become increasingly vital amidst ongoing conflict, predominantly funnelling through the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Official and NGO sources indicate that the wartime gold trade finances both the military and paramilitary groups. Despite a devastated economy, the army-backed government announced record gold production for 2024, highlighting the gold’s crucial role in sustaining the conflict.
Economist Abdelazim al-Amawy emphasizes that the desire for Sudan’s gold reserves has significantly prolonged the war. “To solve the war in Sudan, we have to follow the gold, and we arrive at the UAE,” adds Marc Ummel from Swissaid. This suggests that gold trade is essential to understanding the war’s dynamics, even as UAE officials deny any involvement in smuggling.
The Sudan Mineral Resources Company reported that gold production will hit 64 tonnes in 2024, a notable rise from 41.8 tonnes in 2022, yielding $1.57 billion in legal exports. However, SMRC director Mohammed Taher revealed that nearly half of this production is smuggled out of the country to markets like Chad and South Sudan before reaching the UAE.
Sudan is currently pursuing a case against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, alleging complicity in genocide committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The UAE has dismissed the case as a “publicity stunt.” Despite denials of arms dealings, the UAE’s role in Sudan’s gold trade has reportedly bolstered the country’s wartime finances significantly, with 90% of legal gold exports targeting the UAE as recorded by Taher.
The Kush mine, located strategically between Port Sudan and Khartoum, plays a critical role in the gold production process and is reportedly owned by Dubai-based Emiral Resources. Since the conflict began, Kush has resumed stable gold production, reaching hundreds of kilograms monthly. Emiral lists the Kush mine as part of its portfolio, reinforcing its connection to the Emirati market.
In 2023, the UAE surpassed Britain as the world’s second-largest gold exporter and is recognized as a major hub for smuggled African gold. While the UAE claims adherence to a responsible sourcing policy, experts suggest the regulations are inadequately enforced, allowing undeclared gold to enter the market. Data indicates imports from Chad exceed capacity limits, suggesting rampant smuggling persists.
In Darfur, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo’s control over local mines has empowered him financially, facilitating a “private transnational mercenary enterprise.” Reports suggest the Al-Junaid Multi Activities Company links Daglo’s wealth to significant warfare funding. A UN panel estimated Daglo’s war-related earnings at a minimum of $1 billion annually, demonstrating the direct connection between gold revenue and conflict perpetuation.
Ummel argues that the UAE’s failure to properly implement regulations permits continued support for the war, compounding the challenges for achieving peace in Sudan.
The wartime dynamics in Sudan are heavily interlinked with its gold trade, primarily flowing to the UAE. This trade supports military and paramilitary activities, despite the country’s severe economic downfall. Allegations of complicity in genocide against the UAE spotlight the conflict’s complexity, underscoring the significance of gold in prolonging warfare. Regulatory shortcomings in the UAE further exacerbate the situation, preventing effective oversight of this critical but illicit market.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
