Sudan’s Gold Mafia: Deals and Corruption – Cartels exploit war to plunder national wealth
As Sudan’s war enters its third year, the country has lost infrastructure, resources, and productive sectors like farming and livestock. The huge cost of war forced both warring sides to search for quick and profitable funding sources. Gold became the top target. In Port Sudan, the de facto government uses the coastal city as a safe haven amid fierce competition over national resources. Islamists and armed movements allied with the army exploit resources together when interests align, but leak against each other when disputes rise.
Tensions over ministerial shares erupted during Port Sudan’s government formation. Armed groups demanded key ministries based on the Juba Peace Agreement. SLM leader Minawi’s adviser Fawzi Hassan declared their share was “a right for protecting the regime from Rapid Support Forces.” He stressed they only wanted wealthy ministries, not poor ones. They then seized the Ministry of Minerals by force and pressure. The ministry was handed to Nour Al-Daim Taha, despite leaked claims of suspicious ties with Israel. Minawi insisted no nominee is rejected.
Secret Deals in Cairo
Later, Minister Taha visited Egypt with a delegation, signing a controversial deal with Deep Metals Company. The agreement claimed to establish a mining city but reportedly gave Deep Metals massive gold concessions across several Sudanese states. Leaked details said the company, half-owned by Egyptian businessman Mohamed Garhy, also partners with Sudanese figures Omar Al-Nimir and Mubarak Ardol. The deal granted exploration rights, 85% of Arkadia mine, a gold refinery, and government facilitation of all administrative and legal procedures. Mubarak Ardol resurfaced despite leaving his role as director of Sudan’s Mineral Resources Company amid major corruption accusations.
Corruption accusation
One journalist known for supporting the army claimed on Facebook that Mubarak Ardol is a partner in Deep Metals. Ardol denied the claim, saying he is only “an employee and the company’s director”. Observers noted his absence from the group photo of the Sudanese delegation and company officials, where Egyptian partner Garhy appeared. Analysts confirmed Ardol’s close ties with Minister Nour Al-Daim and Sudanese partner Omar Al-Nimir. They described this trio as part of the gold mafia network that has shaped Sudan’s mining sector in recent years.
Economist Abdelazim El Aamawi told Khartoum Highlight that gold represents 41% of Sudan’s exports, now fueling the war economy. El Aamawi estimated over 30% of gold production is unrecorded, likely smuggled. This highlights systemic corruption and theft of national wealth. He warned that future generations will bear the heavy price of looted resources and squandered reserves by entrenched corruption cartels.
