The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a rise in gold smuggling at the Egypt-Sudan border, involving organized crime networks and local miners. As mining activities expand without government oversight, smugglers exploit secret routes, trading gold for various goods. Egyptian authorities, aiming to stabilize the economy by increasing gold reserves, appear to overlook these illicit activities, further complicating the dynamics of the region.
Amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has persisted for over 18 months, gold smuggling has burgeoned at the Egypt-Sudan border. This illegal trade has attracted tens of thousands of individuals, including foreigners, creating a complex network of organized crime. The mining landscape incorporates around 125 traditional mining zones in Egypt’s Nubian region, primarily in the Eastern Desert, a vast area rich in gold deposits. In response to rising demand, Egypt has initiated new gold mining zones, particularly in the Eastern Desert. Sudanese miners, such as Ahmed Hussien, report an increase in mining activities, citing the establishment of over ten new mining locations in Aswan province, often without governmental oversight. The war in Sudan has exacerbated this trend, with many mining operations expanding in northern and River Nile states near the border, providing logistical advantages for smugglers due to ease of transport. Ibrahim, a miner, elaborates on the flourishing mining activities in the Red Sea region, where multiple mining sites have emerged since the onset of the conflict. The border has become a notable hub for gold smuggling, with local miners consolidating their efforts to transport gold to Egypt, where prices are currently higher. Organized smuggling tactics have emerged, involving local tribes adept at utilizing secret routes for transport. Smugglers report concealing gold in clothing or employing individuals crossing illegally to hide shipments, often facilitating exchanges for other illegal goods. Gold transactions take place discreetly at predetermined locations, further indicating the depth of this illicit network. The Egyptian government appears to turn a blind eye to the growing smuggling operations, potentially motivated by a need to bolster its gold reserves amidst a depreciating currency. With the Egyptian pound losing significant value, authorities have prioritized increasing gold production in an effort to stabilize the economy, which, according to reports, has led to a remarkable rise in revenues from gold activities. Today, Egypt produces approximately 15.8 tonnes of gold annually, primarily from the Sukari mine. As local and international demand swells, Sudanese gold is increasingly favored in the Egyptian market, notably 21-karat gold, which brings higher prices compared to Sudanese markets. The growing ambitions of both traders and governmental authorities to expand gold reserves signal a critical intersection of smuggling, economic need, and the volatile influences of regional conflict.
Gold smuggling along the Egypt-Sudan border has significantly escalated, particularly following the recent war in Sudan between the Sudanese army and the RSF paramilitaries. The exploration of traditional mining areas in Egypt has intensified, spurred by increased demand for gold and fluctuating prices. This situation not only points to the complexities of regional geopolitics but also highlights the role of organized crime in exploiting economic opportunities within conflict zones. Egyptian government policies aimed at expanding gold reserves are further complicating the dynamics of this illicit trade, necessitating a deeper understanding of the implications for both countries involved.
In summary, the escalating conflict in Sudan has led to a dramatic increase in gold smuggling practices at the Egypt-Sudan border, facilitating a complex network of organized crime involving local miners, tribes, and established smuggling routes. The Egyptian government, driven by economic incentives, appears to tolerate these activities to boost its gold reserves. As both Sudanese miners and Egyptian authorities navigate this intricate economic landscape, the consequences of their actions may have far-reaching impacts on regional stability and illicit trade patterns.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
