A luxury jet recently landed in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to collect hundreds of pounds of illicit gold, according to flight manifest records. The aircraft was reportedly carrying a representative from a paramilitary group implicated in ethnic cleansing during Sudan's ongoing civil war. The gold, valued at approximately $25 million, had been smuggled from Darfur, a region under severe control by this group.
Porters were seen loading cases of gold onto the plane as airport officials maintained a discreet perimeter around the jet, which was a stark contrast to the impoverished surroundings of one of the world's poorest nations. After a brief stop, the jet departed for a private airport in the United Arab Emirates, where the gold was expected to enter the global market.
Despite the devastating impacts of war, including a crumbling economy and widespread famine affecting 26 million people, the gold trade in Sudan has flourished, surpassing pre-war production levels. The conflict has transformed Sudan into a significant gold-producing region, with billions of dollars in gold being smuggled out of the country.
Instead of alleviating the humanitarian crisis, the warring factions are utilizing gold revenues to fund their military operations, employing "starvation tactics" against civilians. The precious metal is being used to finance weapons purchases, including drones and missiles, exacerbating the violence that has displaced millions and resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The civil war involves the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.), a paramilitary group that gained power after seizing lucrative gold mines. The conflict escalated in 2023 when the R.S.F. reclaimed a mine it had previously sold to the government, further intensifying the fight for control over gold resources.
Foreign involvement complicates the situation, with countries like Russia and the United Arab Emirates backing both sides of the conflict. The Wagner Group, linked to Russia, has established partnerships with both the military and the R.S.F., while Emirati companies are reportedly funding both factions through gold mining operations.
Gold smuggling routes extend across Sudan's borders, with the United Arab Emirates identified as the primary destination for illicit gold. This trade has created a complex web of profiteers, including warlords and corrupt officials, who benefit from the ongoing conflict.
In Darfur, R.S.F. fighters have been accused of ethnic cleansing and have established a secretive gold mining operation, generating substantial revenue to support their military campaigns. The R.S.F. controls every aspect of the gold trade, exploiting local miners under violent conditions.
Additionally, the Kush mine, an industrial gold mining operation, plays a crucial role in funding the Sudanese military. Initially believed to be controlled by a Russian executive, it was later revealed that Emirati investors had taken control, further intertwining the interests of foreign powers in Sudan's conflict.
The humanitarian crisis has forced many Sudanese to rely on gold for survival, with families using their jewelry as a means of financial security amid the chaos. As the war continues, the gold trade remains a vital source of income for both sides, perpetuating the cycle of violence and suffering.
Experts suggest that categorizing Sudanese gold as a "conflict mineral" could help curb its trade, similar to past initiatives aimed at blood diamonds. However, the challenge lies in tracing the origins of gold, especially as prices reach record highs, incentivizing continued conflict.
In summary, the gold trade in Sudan, rather than being a boon for the nation, has become a curse, fueling the ongoing war and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis faced by millions of civilians.