SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Guardian – Militia strike gold to cast a shadow over Sudan’s hopes of prosperity
Ruth Michaelson explores how Sudan’s path to democracy is complicated by the Rapid Support Forces militia’s (RSF) dominance of Sudan’s gold industry via Al Gunade corporation.
Montaser Ibrahim, an RSF human rights consultant who “illustrates the RSF’s hints of reform and change,” labels the RSF as champions of minority rights, and RSF commander Himedti as a “challenge against political elites.” Ibrahim maintained that the security sector cannot be excluded from the democratic transition.
Michaelson notes that Al Gunade remains in operation despite attempts by Sudanese authorities to dissolve mining companies linked to Omar al-Bashir’s regime.
Michaelson also notes that there are “few safeguards in place to prevent the RSF and Al Gunade operating illegally,” citing the lack of transparency in Sudan’s gold industry,