Ardol: We Must Deny the Opportunity to Those Wishing to Exploit the Incident to Damage Sudanese-Egyptian Relations

Cairo – Sudanhorizon– Sabah Mousa

Mubarak Ardol, former Director General of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company and a former leader in Sudan’s mining sector, has called for a distinct legal and practical approach to dealing with artisanal and unauthorized miners operating in unlicensed mining blocks and areas. He emphasized the need for a strategy that ensures the orderly evacuation of these areas, safeguards miners’ lives, and prevents any crossing of the Sudanese-Egyptian border.
Ardol’s statements site were made in the wake of unfortunate events in the North Wadi region—including casualties among Sudanese miners—and the incident’s repercussions on relations between Sudan and Egypt.
Drawing on his experience managing the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, Ardol explained that addressing these situations should begin through the competent public prosecution—specifically the Mining Prosecution—under the supervision of the Ministry of Minerals and in accordance with established legal procedures.
He noted that the Minerals Police possess extensive experience in clearing miners from unauthorized areas; this expertise should be leveraged rather than resorting immediately to abrupt security-led measures. He added that, if necessary, a joint force could be formed—led by the Minerals Police and supported by the Armed Forces and the General Intelligence Service—to provide the backing required to enforce evacuation orders legally, following prior notification to the miners and an opportunity for them to withdraw from the affected areas.
Ardol noted that this approach is not new; it had previously been implemented during his tenure at the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, when—in accordance with legal procedures—unauthorized mining blocks and areas were cleared. He cited the experience of the Sangu area in Darfur, where a large number of miners—estimated at between 20,000 and 30,000—were evacuated without bloodshed. This demonstrated the feasibility of addressing such issues through legal, organized means that protect lives and uphold the rule of law.
In a related context, Ardol urged that no opportunity be given to parties seeking to exploit this unfortunate incident to damage Sudanese-Egyptian relations. He emphasized that the bonds uniting the two peoples are too strong to be shaken by fleeting events, however painful. He stated that the priority now is to contain the crisis and address its root causes, avoiding escalation and incitement. He expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the Sudanese victims who lost their lives in the North Valley incident, praying for the repose of their souls. He also paid tribute to the Egyptian drivers who lost their lives in Khartoum amidst the climate of negative sentiment following the incident, expressing solidarity with their families.
Ardol remarked that the historical and social ties, as well as the shared interests between the Sudanese and Egyptian peoples, necessitate handling such events with responsibility and wisdom. He noted that the support the Egyptian people have extended to the Sudanese during times of hardship—and the mutual solidarity demonstrated by both peoples over the years—should remain at the forefront of people’s minds during such moments, helping both nations overcome the crisis. …in a manner that fosters cooperation and protects shared interests.
Ardol emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the national security of both countries and addressing border issues through direct coordination between the two governments and relevant authorities.
He noted that these are matters of sovereignty and law that should not become a source of public tension or damage bilateral relations. He pointed out that Sudanese-Egyptian relations have enjoyed significant stability and mutual understanding in recent years—a bond further strengthened by the outbreak of war in Sudan, when Egypt hosted large numbers of Sudanese fleeing the conflict, providing them with refuge and safety amidst the generosity and hospitality shown by the Egyptian people.
Ardol concluded his remarks by calling on intellectuals, artists, journalists, and media professionals to play a positive and responsible role in addressing this issue. He urged them to disseminate accurate information, reject hate speech and incitement, help calm the atmosphere, and support official efforts to contain the crisis.
He also called for thwarting any attempts to exploit the incident to harm relations between the two nations, stressing that the current phase demands greater wisdom, coordination, and solidarity to safeguard citizens’ lives, uphold the sovereignty of both countries, strengthen their historic and strategic ties, and secure the interests of both the Sudanese and Egyptian peoples.

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