Unemployed youth flock to artisanal mining sites in South Darfur
Sudan's economic collapse leaves many men desperate for work
Sudan War Monitor: South Darfur
A large number of young people in South Darfur have headed to mining areas in search of job opportunities, as unemployment and limited economic prospects continue to rise. Witnesses reported that many young miners have arrived at the Solba mine, located near Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, which has recently seen increased mining activity.
Aziz al-Din Abakar, one of the mine workers, stated that the workforce has exceeded 2,000 individuals engaged in various activities, including rock extraction, washing, and gold refining. He emphasized that these mining operations provide employment opportunities for many young people seeking to improve their living conditions.
He also noted that a significant number of traders purchase gold directly from miners, boosting the local market. The growing economic activity in the area has led to the development of supporting services such as restaurants, entertainment venues, clinics, and Starlink access points, making the mine an attractive destination for job seekers.
Miner Mohammed Ishaq revealed that local authorities and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) impose security fees and monthly taxes ranging from 1,000 Sudanese pounds for small-scale operations to 100,000 pounds for larger enterprises.
Mining activities are organized into shifts, with each consisting of 21 workers. A single shift can produce around 30 grams of gold, which sells for 17,000,000 Sudanese pounds per gram, meaning each worker can earn up to 200,000 pounds or more depending on daily production.
A government employee confirmed that the mine's administration operates under the supervision of the civil authority in coordination with the RSF, with revenues funneled through the local administration. He added that gold sales are conducted through intermediaries affiliated with the RSF, who secure the transport of the gold to Nyala.
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Fire engulfs market in South Darfur capital
A massive fire broke out at the Al-Geneina Bus Station Market in Nyala on the morning of Monday, March 3, causing the destruction of entire market sections. The fire sparked fear among merchants and residents, particularly following the recent killing of an RSF officer along with seven others during an attempted market looting.
An eyewitness told Sudan War Monitor that the fire has intensified concerns over escalating violence and looting in local markets. Authorities have yet to issue any statements regarding the fire’s causes or the financial losses incurred. This incident has further heightened tensions among the population.
Al-Geneina Bus Station Market is a crucial commercial hub, supplying many residents with daily necessities. With growing incidents of violence, people are questioning the measures authorities, particularly the RSF, will take to ensure security.
Five killed in 24 hours in South Darfur
Nyala has witnessed a wave of criminal violence in recent days, with five people killed and several others injured in attacks by unidentified gunmen between the evening of Thursday, March 6, and the morning of Friday, March 7.
Eyewitness Kamal Ali Abdullah told Sudan War Monitor that a citizen, Abdul Latif Adam Wada’a, was killed in his home in Al-Dura neighborhood, north of Nyala, on March 6, 2025. Armed men stormed his house, attempting to rob him of his money and phone. When he resisted, they shot him dead on the spot.
The same group reportedly carried out another robbery in Al-Dura, stealing cash and mobile phones from residents and injuring one person with gunfire.
Abdul Latif had been a poultry trader at Al-Geneina Bus Station Market after previously working as a high school teacher. Kamal added that a report was filed with the RSF checkpoint in northern Nyala, located just 100 meters from the crime scene, yet the attackers managed to escape.
Additionally, a medical source at Nyala Teaching Hospital confirmed that an unidentified body was brought in before later being identified as Ahmed Mohammed Haroun. No further details were available.
Another eyewitness, Amer Ramadan, reported that a citizen was killed in the industrial zone east of the city following a verbal dispute with RSF members over road access. When he refused to move, one of the armed men shot him. Before succumbing to his injuries, the victim fired back, killing two of his attackers.
Nyala has experienced a surge in armed robberies and security breakdowns in recent days, including an internet café robbery in Al-Wadi neighborhood where 21 phones were stolen on Wednesday. Other violent incidents occurred near Cinema Street and Al-Abrar Hospital. Recent killings include Mustafa Othman Mani in Khartoum Bilail neighborhood and another trader in Imam district, north of the city.