Sudan is being Exploited

In this video, the founder of the Sudan Updates Instagram page, Ameen Mekki - speaking to the @mediastormpod - explains how Sudan's exploitation by global powers runs deeper than the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary. International involvement has shaped the country’s political landscape for years, as key military figures were legitimised by Western nations such as the UK and also regional powers such as Egypt and the UAE.

This endorsement came even as local protesters, demanding the end of military rule in 2019, were overlooked by the international community. This selective recognition allowed external powers to maintain ties with Sudan’s leadership, prioritising strategic interests over the will of the Sudanese people.

One of Sudan's most lucrative resource - gold - has also played a crucial role in this exploitation. Sudan is among the top gold producers in Africa, yet much of its wealth is siphoned off through illegal smuggling.

Estimates by Sudan’s Central Bank suggest that up to 70% of the country’s gold is smuggled out, enriching international markets while depriving Sudan of its rightful economic benefits. This covert flow of resources ties directly to the muted global response to Sudan’s struggles, as various powers benefit from the ongoing chaos. Despite its vast natural resources, Sudan remains vulnerable, not because of inherent poverty but due to sustained international exploitation.

Video credit: @mediastormpod (Instagram)