Gold mining

Gold mining has become one of the most dangerous drivers of Sudan’s ongoing conflict. Armed groups — including SAF, RSF, SPLA factions, and Darfuri movements — rely heavily on gold revenues to finance military operations, purchase weapons, buy loyalties, and secure regional and international support. Instead of serving as a national resource for development, gold has been transformed into a political and military asset that fuels war.

The sector is largely unregulated, enabling smuggling networks, foreign interference, and exploitation of traditional miners. The silence of Sudan’s de facto leader, General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, regarding attacks on Sudanese miners by Egyptian authorities highlights how political interests overshadow the protection of citizens and national sovereignty.

Environmentally, gold extraction has caused severe damage. Toxic chemicals used in processing contaminate water sources, destroy vegetation, and threaten the health and livelihoods of local communities. Entire regions face long‑term ecological harm due to unregulated mining practices.

Justice Africa Sudan (JAS) and Africa Unity & Peace Organisation (AUPO) call for urgent intervention: strict regulation of gold mining, allocation of at least 50% of gold revenues to affected communities, and an immediate ban on gold proceeds that finance armed groups or illegal extraction networks. …read more