In the midst of a protracted civil war, Sudan has witnessed a paradoxical surge in gold production, positioning the precious metal as a cornerstone of the nation’s beleaguered economy. This unexpected uptick comes as the government inks new mining agreements and seeks alternative export routes, notably reducing its historical reliance on the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Gold Production Amidst Turmoil
Sudan’s Gold Boom Amid Civil War: RSF’s Influence, Smuggling, and the Battle for Economic Control
In 2024, Sudan’s gold output reached approximately 64 tons, with official exports accounting for about 31 tons and generating $1.55 billion in revenue by November.
This marks a significant increase from the mere 2 tons produced in 2023, a year when the conflict severely disrupted mining activities.
The resurgence in 2024 can be attributed to both a concerted governmental push to revitalize the sector and a favorable surge in global gold prices.
However, the official figures may not capture the full picture. Estimates suggest that actual production exceeded 50 tons, with a substantial portion bypassing formal channels due to pervasive smuggling and the challenges of regulating artisanal mining operations.
This illicit trade underscores the difficulties faced by authorities in harnessing the full economic potential of the country’s gold resources.
Strategic Partnerships and Economic Diversification
In a strategic move to diversify its export markets and reduce dependency on traditional partners, Sudan entered into an agreement with Qatar in May 2024 to establish a gold refinery in Doha. This initiative aims to streamline the refining process and open new avenues for gold exports, thereby enhancing revenue streams. The collaboration reflects Sudan’s broader strategy to integrate more deeply into regional economies and stabilize its financial standing amidst internal strife.
The Role of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The internal conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has seen the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) emerge as a formidable paramilitary entity. The RSF has been accused of seizing control over significant gold mining regions, particularly in Darfur, effectively diverting resources away from the central government.
This control has not only deprived the state of critical revenue but has also fueled the RSF’s operations, creating a parallel economy that complicates peace efforts and economic recovery.
Political Maneuvering and the Nairobi Charter
Amidst military setbacks, the RSF and its allies convened in Nairobi, Kenya, in February 2025 to sign a charter aimed at establishing a parallel government.
This bold political maneuver seeks to legitimize the RSF’s authority and further entrench its control over resource-rich areas, including key gold mining territories. The international community has expressed concern over this development, fearing it may exacerbate the ongoing conflict and undermine efforts toward a unified national government.
Economic Implications and Future Outlook
The civil war has inflicted severe damage on Sudan’s economy, with estimates indicating a 40% contraction in 2023 and an additional 28% decline anticipated in 2024.
Despite the challenges, the gold sector has emerged as a critical lifeline, providing much-needed foreign exchange and sustaining essential imports such as fuel and wheat.
However, the sustainability of this reliance on gold is fraught with challenges. The pervasive smuggling, lack of regulatory oversight, and the RSF’s control over key mining areas pose significant obstacles to maximizing legitimate revenue. Moreover, the establishment of a parallel government by the RSF threatens to further destabilize the region, potentially disrupting mining operations and deterring foreign investment.
In response, the Sudanese government faces the arduous task of reclaiming control over its natural resources, implementing robust regulatory frameworks, and fostering an environment conducive to legal mining activities. International partnerships, such as the refinery agreement with Qatar, offer a glimmer of hope, but their success hinges on achieving political stability and resolving internal conflicts.
While Sudan’s gold production has provided a temporary economic reprieve amidst the turmoil, the path to sustainable recovery requires comprehensive political solutions, stringent economic reforms, and a concerted effort to unify the nation’s fractured governance structures.
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