UAE Identified as Major Destination for Smuggled Gold from Sudan and Africa, New Report Finds
UAE Identified as Major Destination for Smuggled Gold from Sudan and Africa, New Report Finds
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A new report by the Swiss independent organization SWISSAID says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the primary destination for smuggled gold originating from Sudan and neighboring African states in 2024, much of it linked to the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
According to the report, Sudan’s gold exports to the UAE rose sharply during the peak of the country’s civil war—from 17 tons to 29 tons in 2024. Of this, an estimated 27 tons were looted by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and trafficked through Libya and Chad before entering the UAE.
Citing UN Comtrade data, the report notes that 18 tons of smuggled Sudanese gold reached the UAE via Libya, while another 9 tons came through Chad. These figures, examined by several regional media outlets, indicate that the UAE continues to serve as a central hub for illegal African gold networks.
The findings also show that the issue extends beyond Sudan. In 2024, the UAE imported 31 tons of gold from Uganda and 19 tons from Rwanda—countries widely recognized as transit points for smuggled gold, particularly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, SWISSAID reports that the UAE imported 52 tons of gold from Togo, valued at nearly $4 billion, despite Togo having minimal domestic gold production. Analysts say this discrepancy highlights the scale of regional smuggling networks and the UAE’s role as a key destination for gold that is illicitly extracted or trafficked across Africa.
International experts warn that the illegal gold trade is not only stripping African countries of natural wealth but also financing armed groups, fueling conflicts, and threatening regional stability.
The report has prompted renewed calls from international observers and regional governments—including in the Muslim world—for improved transparency in trade routes and stronger measures to prevent the looting of Africa’s natural resources.
