Documents, recounts, expert opinions and anomalies in trade have suggested the existence of an intricate link between warfare, illicit mineral trafficking, and foreign influence on the continent.
As combat erupted between Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), allegations surfaced that substantial amounts of gold had vanished from state-run facilities in Khartoum.
According to various accounts, armed factions seized control of Sudan’s state-owned gold refinery and gained access to the country’s central bank early in the conflict.
Around 1.5 tons of gold, worth around $100 million at the time, were purportedly stolen, along with valuables housed in commercial bank deposit boxes, an exclusive by Financial Times shows.
According to witnesses interviewed by foreign media, the gold was transferred over Sudan’s borders into neighboring nations such as Chad and South Sudan before being sold outside the continent.
The RSF has denied involvement in the operation, and other specifics about the suspected theft remain unclear.
UAE’s growing presence in Africa
The flow of Sudanese gold has drawn increased suspicion to the United Arab Emirates, notably Dubai, which has emerged as one of the world’s top trade hubs for African gold.
Over the last decade, the UAE has dramatically increased its economic presence in Africa by investing in infrastructure, logistics, mining, ports, agriculture, and energy.
The Gulf nation has established itself as a key commercial gateway for African commodities while pursuing a long-term goal to diversify its economy beyond oil.
However, critics have questioned whether the country’s growing prominence provides it undue clout in trade connections, financial investments, debt financing, and security alliances with governments throughout the continent.
Gold and war finance
Swissaid believes that about $30 billion in artisanal gold leaves Africa for Dubai each year without being formally registered.
Much of this commerce avoids official taxation and regulatory systems, robbing producing nations of substantial public income.
Allegations of weapons trade between the UAE and Sudan
Allegations concerning the transfer of military equipment into Sudan have been entangled with the gold trade.
According to these claims, networks including nearby nations, Red Sea facilities, and regional airfields purportedly enable the transit of weapons covertly.
Furthermore, some allegations claim that these supply chains have enabled the RSF to purchase more advanced military hardware, including armored vehicles, drones, and air defense systems.
The UAE has always denied claims that it provides the RSF with weaponry, as well as denying any involvement in illicit gold trades.
The UAE has also not been directly implicated in any of these allegations.
However, the combination of purported weaponry transfers and illegal gold exports has heightened international alarm that Sudan’s mineral riches are being turned into resources that prolong one of the bloodiest continuing conflicts in Africa.
