Dozens of gold prospectors killed in strikes on Egypt-Sudan border, rights group says

At least 72 civilians involved in gold prospecting near the Egypt-Sudan border have been killed in air strikes, according to the regional rights group Emergency Lawyers. The group reported that Egyptian jets targeted artisanal mining sites in Sudan's River Nile state on Saturday. Both the Egyptian government and Sudan's de facto authorities have not yet issued statements on the incident.

Emergency Lawyers highlighted past accusations of Egyptian strikes on gold prospectors as part of a crackdown on illicit activity along the southern border, stating these attacks represent a violation of Sudan's sovereign territory and the government's lack of control over the region. They emphasized that such acts constitute war crimes due to the deliberate targeting of unarmed civilians, and noted that their death toll estimate could rise.

Eyewitnesses said the attack commenced around 06:00 local time (04:00 GMT) with more than five missiles fired directly at the miners' camps, destroying them and excavation pits with people still inside. The Sudan Tribune reported that the death toll could exceed the 72 figures initially reported, citing a survivor who claimed many more individuals were injured.

In June, the Sudan Tribune mentioned allegations of Egyptian forces utilizing drones and artillery to target artisanal mining sites in the same region, resulting in several deaths after incidents involving Egyptian border guards damaging equipment and torching shelters. Egypt announced a security campaign along the border to prevent illegal migration, drug smuggling, and illegal mining, coinciding with Sudan's de facto leader announcing an investigation into the alleged strikes, which killed dozens.

Gold is a central factor in the border tensions, as the ongoing civil war in Sudan has spurred artisanal mining, a hazardous practice conducted by civilians with rudimentary tools without official authorization, particularly in remote areas near the borders. Gold-rich regions, such as those in River Nile state, are situated along porous borders linked to cross-border smuggling routes, with artisanally mined gold potentially feeding those channels.

Egypt's border force reported seizing 86 tonnes of gold ore along with amateur prospecting equipment in June. Artisanal mining continues in Sudan's conflict zones, with smuggled gold potentially serving as income for armed insurgent groups, raising concerns about illicit Sudanese gold undermining the legitimate Egyptian gold market.