The Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles, a coalition of political and military groups, has warned the Egyptian army against attacking Sudanese gold miners. This warning comes after Egypt announced a military campaign targeting gold miners in Sudan, which the coalition sees as a threat to Sudanese sovereignty. The coalition, led by Dr. Abdalla Hamdok and the Sudan Liberation Movement, expressed concerns over the safety of unarmed civilians.
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Nayer, a leader within the Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles, stated that they were following with grave concern the Egyptian Armed Forces' announcement of a new military campaign. The campaign, which began on November 7, targets Sudanese people working in gold mines, under the pretext of pursuing looting and infiltration gangs. Al-Nayer described the Sudanese government authorities as weak and submissive in addressing the concerns of their own people.
The coalition expressed reservations about the Egyptian statement, which claimed that operations would be carried out inside Egyptian territory without affecting civilian targets. However, previous airstrikes reportedly took place inside Sudanese territory and were carried out by Egyptian aircraft. The coalition called for an independent and transparent international investigation into the incidents and for those responsible for crimes against unarmed civilians to be revealed.
The Forces of the Declaration of Principles also expressed concerns that the issue of Sudanese miners could become a pretext for the Egyptian army to expand its presence inside Sudan. This is particularly worrying given the numerous reports of looting of Sudan's natural resources, especially gold, through organized Sudanese-Egyptian cartels. The coalition stressed that the targeted mining areas are an integral part of Sudanese territory and should not become operational zones for foreign forces.
Al-Nayer held the Sudanese Armed Forces responsible for failing to protect Sudan's borders and for their responsibility to safeguard the country's sovereignty. He further stated that Egypt was coordinating with authorities that lacked legitimacy, referring to the Port Sudan government. The coalition called on all Sudanese civilians, political, youth, and humanitarian forces to stand united in defending the country's miners and supporting efforts to protect Sudanese sovereignty and national dignity.
The warning from the Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles comes after a reported airstrike on gold miners in Northern Wadi, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 200 miners. The coalition described the miners as unarmed civilians who were seeking an honest livelihood. They expressed concerns about the fate of people whose only wrongdoing is facing poverty and war.
The situation highlights the complexities of the conflict in Sudan and the need for a coordinated response to protect civilians and national sovereignty. The Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles' warning to Egypt underscores the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of respecting Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Key points
- The Sudanese Forces of the Declaration of Principles warns Egypt against targeting Sudanese gold miners, citing concerns over sovereignty and civilian safety.
