The Sudan Gold Exporters Association (SGEA) has denounced the deep-rooted issues plaguing the country’s mineral trade, warning that organized “fraud” and lawlessness are crushing the national economy. In a high-level appeal to the Sovereign Council and the Prime Minister, the association called for urgent government intervention to rescue a sector that should serve as the backbone of Sudan’s economic recovery.
The primary cause for concern is the staggering gap between the amount of gold Sudan extracts from the ground and the revenue that actually enters the government treasury. SGEA Chairman Abdel Monim Al-Siddiq stated that Sudan’s annual gold production exceeds 70 tons, which at current world market prices, should generate over $6 billion in revenue.
However, reports from the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS) reveal an alarming reality: data from the last fiscal year shows that only 14.7 tons were officially exported, yielding just $1.536 billion. This leaves nearly $4.5 billion unaccounted for, with technical estimates suggesting that between 48% and 60% of the country’s gold is being plundered through illegal channels and smuggling routes.
Al-Siddiq was explicit in identifying those responsible, accusing foreign currency speculators and “unscrupulous individuals” of seizing control of production for personal gain. The association argues that this interference has not only caused the exchange rate to plummet but has also robbed the Sudanese people of the benefits of their own natural resources. In an official statement, Al-Siddiq emphasized that while Sudan possesses vast gold wealth capable of alleviating its economic crisis, the failure of these revenues to appear in the state treasury poses a direct threat to national survival.
This gold crisis extends beyond the mining sector, severely impacting the daily lives of citizens. Sudan relies heavily on gold export earnings to import fuel and other essential commodities. By losing 60% of its gold revenue to smugglers, the government has struggled to secure the foreign currency needed to meet fuel demands, further paralyzing the transport and agricultural sectors.
Consequently, the Gold Exporters Association is demanding more than just oversight; they are calling for a transparent and comprehensive investigation into the massive discrepancy between production levels and official data.
