Gold smuggling flourishes on Egypt-Sudan border

Gold smuggling along the Egypt-Sudan border has surged, fueled by Sudan’s conflict and Egypt’s soaring gold prices, according to report in Middle East Eye. The ongoing war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces has disrupted livelihoods, pushing miners and smugglers to exploit this lucrative trade.

Egypt's gold prices are notably higher than Sudan's due to several factors. The Egyptian pound’s sharp devaluation has made gold a preferred investment against inflation. Additionally, the Egyptian government’s policy of increasing its gold reserves to stabilize the currency has driven demand, inflating local prices.

Sudanese miners and Egyptian smugglers exploit routes through the Eastern Desert and Nubian regions, with tribal groups like the Ababda and Rashaida facilitating the trade. Gold is hidden in clothing or vehicles, often exchanged for illegal goods like fuel and mercury. Egyptian authorities, facing economic challenges, are accused of turning a blind eye to the trade, further enabling this underground economy.