At least 72 gold prospectors killed in air strikes on a gold mine near the Egypt-Sudan border; attack highlights border insecurity

At least 72 gold prospectors were killed in an air strike on a mining site near the Egypt-Sudan border, according to the rights group Emergency Lawyers. The attack underscores the severe security vacuum in the region, which has been plagued by lawlessness and disputes over border demarcation.¹

The air strike targeted miners in the North Wadi area of Jabal al-Uqaydat, a site known for its gold wealth. Images from the scene depicted chaotic conditions, with bodies wrapped in funeral shrouds. Egypt has not commented on the incident, raising further concerns about accountability.²

Abdul Kareem Al-Almin Ahmed, an expert on Egypt-Sudan border affairs, noted that the absence of a Sudanese military presence has left locals vulnerable to Egyptian incursions. He urged the Sudanese government to escalate the issue to the United Nations and establish clear border demarcations.

The unrest follows the civil war in Sudan that began in April 2023, exacerbating the already dire economic conditions and pushing many into dangerous, unregulated gold mining practices. The collapse of central authority in Sudan has allowed lawlessness to flourish, particularly in border areas.

In June, another gold mine in the same region was targeted, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability. Egyptian security forces have been conducting operations to combat illegal activities along the border, but the situation remains precarious for those living in the area.