Following the Egyptian airstrikes on Sudanese mining areas… Al Burhan warns miners and holds them responsible
Recently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan stated that those working in the field of traditional gold mining (artisanal gold miners) ought to adhere to international borders, following reports of Egyptian airstrikes targeting mining sites in northern Sudan, which resulted in numerous deaths and more injuries.
During local meetings that took place in the area of “Al-Ratj,,” on the Sudanese-Egyptian border, Al-Burhan shared that authorities are urging gold miners to remain within Sudanese territory, emphasizing that crossing the border could expose them to security risks and create tensions with neighboring countries.
Last week, areas geographically close to “Jebel Al-Uqaydat” in northern Sudan witnessed airstrikes that targeted miners’ gatherings, which, in consequence, claimed the innocent lives of many and wounded others, according to testimonies from artisanal gold miners. Moreover, videos circulating on social media further documented the explosions caused by munition fired from Egyptian aircraft.
Political groups accused the Egyptian Army of being responsible for the attacks, whilst Sudanese parties condemned the use of force within Sudanese borders, believing such actions represent a dangerous development that threatens regional stability.
The traditional mining areas surrounding “Jebel al-Uqaydat and Jebel Al-Ahmar” are amongst the most prominent gold-producing regions in northern Sudan, employing thousands of miners. The sector employs an estimated two million people, and artisanal mining contributes approximately (80%) of the total gold production, which amounts to about (60 tons) annually.
Furthermore, reports indicate that significant quantities of Sudanese gold are transferred to Egypt, as Egyptian entities, including the Egyptian Army, continue to conduct gold mining operations within Sudanese territories, particularly in the occupied Halayeb region.
