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Dozens of civilians who were prospecting for gold in Sudan’s River Nile state have been killed in air strikes, according to the regional rights group Emergency Lawyers. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
The attacks occurred on Saturday morning, around 06:00 local time.
Emergency Lawyers reported that jets targeted artisanal mining camps, firing multiple missiles directly at the sites.
Multiple sources say the strikes destroyed excavation pits and camps, with people still inside at the time of impact.
Key Facts
- Dozens of prospectors killed — a provisional figure from Emergency Lawyers.
- Attack occurred in Sudan’s River Nile state, near the Egypt-Sudan border.
- Targeted sites were reportedly used by civilians conducting artisanal mining.
- Neither Egypt nor Sudan has issued a public statement.
- Survivors say many more were injured, suggesting the death toll may be higher.
Background: Artisanal Mining and Border Tensions
Since Sudan’s civil war began, artisanal mining has surged in remote border areas.
Gold-rich regions near the Egypt-Sudan border have long been linked to smuggling routes.
Artisanal mining is often conducted by civilians with basic tools and without official permission.
Such activity has raised concerns that smuggled gold may fund armed groups in conflict zones.
Earlier in June, Egypt’s border agency reported seizing gold ore and amateur equipment from the same region.
Why It Matters
Emergency Lawyers say the attacks violate international humanitarian law and the right to life.
They describe the actions as potentially constituting war crimes.
The incident also highlights a lack of state control in Sudan’s border regions.
It underscores the risks faced by civilians engaged in informal economic activities during conflict.
Previous Incidents
Earlier in June, the Sudan Tribune reported that Egyptian forces had used drones and artillery to target artisanal mining sites.
Reports described border guards torching shelters and firing live ammunition to disperse workers.
These actions were part of a broader security campaign launched by Egypt to combat illegal migration, drug smuggling, and mining.
At the time, Sudan’s de facto leader announced an investigation into the strikes.
Limitations and Open Questions
The death toll remains provisional and may rise.
No official confirmation has been issued by either Egypt or Sudan.
There is no independent verification of the claims made by Emergency Lawyers or the Sudan Tribune.
While the attacks are reported to have occurred in a border zone, the responsibility for the strikes remains unconfirmed.
What to Watch Next
Authorities in both Egypt and Sudan may issue statements in the coming days.
International organizations may launch investigations into the use of force in border zones.
Reports on the broader role of artisanal mining in conflict zones may grow as more data emerges.
These incidents reflect a pattern of violence against civilians in border regions, where economic activity and conflict intersect.
Such actions challenge both national sovereignty and international legal standards.
