The Golden Trap of Sudan's War Economy The golden glow of prosperity has turned to dust for millions in Sudan. Gold mining has become a double edged sword in the country's ongoing war economy.
On one hand, it has generated billions of dollars in revenue for the treasury, providing foreign currency after South Sudan's secession in 2011 stripped Sudan of oil revenues.
However, the unregulated gold mining sector has become a major source of funding for paramilitaries controlling gold producing areas and involved in the conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces.