December 17, 2024 (WASHINGTON) – A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has urged President Joe Biden to take more decisive action against foreign entities fuelling the ongoing civil war in Sudan, citing the role of illicit gold trading in financing the conflict. In a letter to Biden, Senators Mark Warner, Jim Risch, Chris Coons, Todd Young, Cory Booker, and Mike Rounds expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has raged since April 2023. The conflict has reportedly killed tens of thousands, potentially exceeding 100,000, and left more than 25 million in need of aid. The senators highlighted reports that foreign entities, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia, provide weapons and financial support to the warring parties. They specifically focused on the role of Sudan’s illicit gold trade. “We are deeply concerned that Sudan’s illicit gold trade enables lucrative revenue streams that perpetuate the documented atrocities and worsens the devastating humanitarian crisis in the country,” the senators wrote. Sudan, a major African gold producer, has a multi-billion dollar gold industry. The RSF controls key gold mines, including those in Jebel Amir. …

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