Sudan’s brutal civil war is allegedly sustained by a massive, illicit gold trade. Warring factions profit from this trade by smuggling gold through neighbouring countries to international markets. Peace and ending starvation will depend on ending the flow of ‘blood gold’ and holding all beneficiaries accountable.
Vast quantities of gold, valued in the billions of dollars, are being illicitly moved out of Sudan in multiple directions. This outflow is igniting a surge in gold mining throughout the Sahel region of the country, establishing it as a major global gold producer precisely when international gold prices are reaching unprecedented peaks.
Tragically, this immense wealth is not being utilised to alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians displaced and facing starvation.
UN experts have raised the alarm over worsening hunger in Sudan, accusing the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of deploying “starvation tactics” against the population. Nearly all of the country’s internally displaced people—an estimated 97 percent—as well as millions still trapped in conflict zones, are now facing severe levels of hunger.
Instead, Sudan’s warring sides are exploiting the gold trade as a financial engine for their violent struggle. Sudan possesses significant gold reserves, and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) constitutes the majority of its gold production.
This sector, often operating outside formal regulatory frameworks, has become a battleground for control and a vital source of income for both the SAF and the RSF.
The competition for control over gold mining sites and distribution channels was a significant factor contributing to the outbreak of the civil war. The multi-billion-dollar gold trade allows these factions to finance their military operations, procure weapons, and sustain their power.
The flow of Sudanese gold extends beyond the country’s borders, deeply intertwining the conflict with the wider region. Neighbouring countries like Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, and South Sudan serve as transit points for the gold, often making its way to international hubs, most notably the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE has emerged as a critical node in this network, acting as a major destination for Sudanese gold and a financial centre where both warring parties conduct transactions.
Several external actors stand to benefit, at least in the short term, from Sudan’s conflict-driven gold trade:
The UAE has significant economic interests in Sudan, including investments in agriculture and, crucially, the gold trade A substantial portion of Sudan’s gold exports, often smuggled, ends up in Dubai, a major global gold trading hub. While the UAE officially denies direct involvement in the conflict, it has been accused of supporting the RSF, and its role as a primary destination for Sudanese gold provides a financial lifeline to the warring factions.
Egypt has historically maintained close ties with the Sudanese military and has provided diplomatic support to the SAF since the conflict began. With the SAF controlling key gold-producing areas, there’s an increasing trend of gold being diverted through Egypt, a portion of which is believed to be smuggled. While Egypt’s primary interests lie in regional stability and its own security, its involvement and the flow of gold through its territory cannot be ignored
Beyond state actors, a complex web of regional armed groups, traders, and smugglers actively participate in the gold trade. These networks facilitate the extraction, transportation, and sale of gold, often across porous borders, profiting from the instability and the high demand for the precious metal.
In addition, while not directly involved in the conflict, international gold markets and refineries that process Sudanese gold indirectly benefit from its availability, regardless of its conflict-ridden origins.
The lack of stringent due diligence and traceability in the gold supply chain allows conflict gold to enter global markets.
These external actors, particularly the UAE and Egypt, wield considerable influence over the warring parties due to the latter’s political, military, and economic reliance on them. This influence positions them uniquely to play a crucial role in achieving sustainable peace in Sudan. However, their divergent interests and support for opposing sides have, so far, complicated mediation efforts.
To leverage the potential of these external actors for peace, a concerted regional and international approach is essential. This would involve diplomatic efforts that should focus on persuading Egypt and the UAE to find common ground in their regional policies concerning Sudan. Highlighting the long-term risks of a fragmented and destabilized Sudan to their own strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region may be a crucial step.
In addition, utilizing economic leverage, including potential sanctions or conditions tied to financial aid and trade relations, could incentivize these actors to pressure the warring parties towards a ceasefire and political negotiations.
The establishment of an effective international coalition, involving regional bodies like the African Union and international partners, is necessary to coordinate efforts and ensure a unified approach towards Sudan
Any lasting peace settlement must address the economic realities surrounding Sudan’s conflict gold. International efforts should promote greater transparency and due diligence in the global gold supply chain to prevent conflict gold from Sudan and other regions from entering international markets.
