Sudan accuses RSF of smuggling gold to UAE

November 24, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – A Sudanese government official accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Monday of smuggling large quantities of gold to the United Arab Emirates to fund its war effort.

Gold was a primary source of funding for both the army and the RSF before the conflict, driving intense competition for control over mines and export routes.

“The value of gold transported by the RSF from the Darfur and Kordofan regions during 2024 and early this year exceeded $850 million,” the source told Sudan Tribune, citing intelligence reports.

However, the UAE Ministry of Trade said in a November 19 statement that gold imports from Sudan in 2024 totalled just $1.97 billion, representing 1.06% of the $186 billion in gold that passed through the Gulf state.

Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim, a leader in the RSF-allied “Tasis” coalition, dismissed the government’s claims as “fabrication and lies” intended to demonize the RSF.

“The Port Sudan gang is trying to cover up its own disputes with the UAE,” Ibrahim told Sudan Tribune, adding that the army-led government continues to export gold to the UAE despite severed diplomatic ties.

Ibrahim said the RSF-backed administration is arranging to export strategic commodities, noting that traditional gold production has doubled. He added that the administration is opening the sector to companies for mineral extraction and agricultural exports, including gum arabic and peanuts.

Al-Junaid operations resume

Separately, miners in South Darfur said the RSF-affiliated Al-Junaid Multi-Activities Co had resumed operations at the Songo gold mines, according to the Darfur 24 news site.

Production at the site had halted in June 2024 after army airstrikes targeted the company’s processing unit and facilities. Miners said the majority of gold from Songo is now transported to Chad via the Rahad al-Berdi-Um Dukhun route.

Smuggled gold is widely viewed as the leading financier of the ongoing war, enabling the purchase of weapons. While international reports frequently identify the UAE as a hub for Sudanese gold, unofficial estimates suggest actual export volumes significantly exceed official figures.