Sudanese Miners and Egyptian Drivers Incidents: Cairo and Khartoum Face a Test of Crisis Containment
Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Moussa
The killing of a number of Sudanese miners along the Egyptian-Sudanese border, alongside the killing of two Egyptian drivers and the injury of a third in a shooting in Khartoum, has brought Egyptian-Sudanese relations back into the spotlight. Calls are mounting for official investigations to clarify the circumstances of both incidents, while warnings have been issued against exploiting them to stoke tension between the two peoples—all at a time when the region faces escalating security and political challenges.
– Official Moves:
As official efforts to address the aftermath of these incidents continue, Egyptian and Sudanese voices agree on the importance of containing the crisis and relying on facts, despite differing perspectives regarding the circumstances and characterization of the events. The first incident involved the deaths of Sudanese miners during a crackdown on illegal gold mining within Egyptian territory—according to the Egyptian account—while the second occurred in Khartoum, resulting in the deaths of two Egyptian drivers and the injury of a third. These events underscore the need to distinguish between each incident and its specific circumstances, and to determine responsibility based on investigation findings, free from preconceptions or political and media exploitation.
– Fact-Finding Committee:
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, has ordered the formation of a fact-finding committee regarding the incident involving the Sudanese miners. The committee includes representatives from the Public Prosecution and relevant judicial and security bodies. The Sovereign Council emphasized the necessity of uncovering the facts, protecting citizens’ lives, and respecting borders, noting that communication between the leadership of both countries has been ongoing since the incident occurred.
– Avoiding Misinformation:
Meanwhile, the Egyptian military spokesman announced the continued execution of the third phase of the major campaign to combat illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert. He explained that the campaign is being carried out by elements of the Egyptian armed forces and regular police force with the aim of asserting state sovereignty and protecting national resources. He urged the public to obtain information from official sources and to avoid being swayed by rumors and foreign agendas seeking to undermine the fraternal ties between the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples.
– The Drivers’ Incident:
Concurrently, Egyptian and Sudanese authorities are monitoring the circumstances of the shooting incident in Khartoum that claimed the lives of two Egyptian drivers and injured a third, following the Sudanese authorities’ announcement that the suspect had been arrested and legal proceedings initiated against him. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry confirmed ongoing coordination with the Sudanese side to follow up on the investigations, check on the injured driver, and repatriate the bodies of the two victims. These official moves place the investigations at the forefront of efforts to contain the repercussions of the incidents—particularly given the importance of establishing the circumstances of each event and the responsibilities of the parties involved—in a manner that safeguards the victims’ rights and prevents these unfortunate incidents from becoming a source of tension in relations between the two countries.
– Concern Within the Joint Force:
Informed sources reported concern within the Sudanese Joint Force regarding accusations leveled against it concerning the killing of the Egyptian drivers in Khartoum, after certain parties attributed responsibility for the incident to one of its members.
Sources told Sudanhorizon that the Joint Forces command denies any connection to the incident and intends to file formal complaints against anyone accusing it of involvement.
– Determining the Circumstances:
Information circulating on social media adds another dimension to the situation, highlighting the need to verify details regarding both incidents and to distinguish between official announcements and the various accounts and accusations put forward by different parties. It also underscores the importance of allowing competent authorities to investigate the circumstances of each event rather than forming definitive conclusions based on incomplete information. Furthermore, the fact that the two incidents occurred simultaneously raises questions about the need to address each case according to its specific circumstances and investigation findings, and to separate legal liability for any violations from the historical ties and shared interests binding the two nations. This is particularly important at a time when official coordination and transparency in announcing results are crucial to thwarting attempts to exploit humanitarian tragedies to stoke tension between the two peoples.
– A Dangerous Repercussion:
For his part, former Sudanese Foreign Minister Ambassador Ali Youssef expressed his confidence that the Egyptian leadership would never issue an order to take the lives of Sudanese miners in such a manner—using military aircraft—even if they had infiltrated mining areas on the outskirts of Cairo.
Youssef told Sudanhorizon that he harbored not the slightest doubt about the matter, questioning whose interests were served by this dangerous escalation—which struck a severe blow to the bonds of affection between the two brotherly peoples. He noted that the killing of Egyptian citizens and the serious injury of another in central Khartoum represented a grave development requiring urgent action. He called for high-level contacts between the leaderships of both countries to contain the crisis, emphasizing that the current circumstances do not permit escalation.
– Wisdom of the Leadership:
Youssef pointed out that the region faces intertwined challenges, including the ongoing internal war in Ethiopia, escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the war in Yemen, and the potential for renewed confrontation between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. He also cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and the worsening global economic crisis, asking: “Is it conceivable that relations would become strained between two countries that share a single security and a common destiny?” He expressed confidence in the wisdom of both countries’ leaderships and their ability to address the crisis and overcome its repercussions.
– Comprehensive Campaign:
For his part, Major General Hatem Bashat—former head of the African Affairs Committee in the Egyptian Parliament and former Egyptian Consul General in Khartoum—revealed the presence of illicit formations along the Egyptian border during the recent period, stating that they pose a threat to Egyptian national security.
Bashat explained to Sudanhorizon that the Egyptian Armed Forces’ campaign is comprehensive, aiming to secure all of Egypt’s borders—whether with Libya, Sudan, or Israel, asserting that the measures were not directed solely at the Sudanese border. He stated that the Egyptian actions were taken to counter the risk of illegal elements infiltrating Egyptian territory. He added that the incident involving the Sudanese miners occurred—in his assessment—after Egyptian authorities had run out of patience; despite multiple warnings issued to the infiltrators not to breach the border, they had failed to comply.
– Border Protection:
Bashat emphasized that every country has the right to protect its borders and safeguard its national security. He noted—citing the Egyptian military spokesman’s statement on the incident—that the miners were numerous and armed. He argued that the incident involving the miners could not be compared to the incident in Khartoum where Egyptian drivers were killed and another injured; he explained that the Egyptians had been on a legitimate work mission inside Sudan, whereas the presence of the Sudanese miners within Egyptian territory was illegal. Stressing the lack of equivalence between the two incidents, he warned the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples against being drawn into attempts to sow discord between the two nations. He viewed the events as a natural reaction by a state seeking to secure its borders amidst challenges to its national security.
– Uncovering the Facts:
Meanwhile, the Sudanese Democratic Bloc called for clarifying the circumstances surrounding both incidents—the killing of Sudanese miners in the border region between Egypt and Sudan, and the killing of Egyptian drivers and the injury of another in Khartoum. They urged for official investigations and coordination between the authorities of both countries to ensure the facts are revealed and necessary legal measures are taken. Dr. Mohamed Zakaria, the official spokesperson for the bloc, told Sudanhorizon that the lives of the people of the Nile Valley are precious. He stated that protecting citizens and ensuring justice is a responsibility that precludes hasty judgments or accusations before investigations are complete. He warned against attempts to exploit the two incidents to incite discord and inflame tensions between the two brotherly peoples, highlighting the danger of unverified information or exaggerated figures circulated by platforms linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—content that could exacerbate tensions and damage relations between the two countries.
– Cooperation and De-escalation:
Zakaria added that the historical and social ties, as well as the shared interests, binding Egypt and Sudan are too strong to be undermined by unfortunate incidents. He emphasized that a responsible approach requires cooperation, de-escalation, and reliance on facts, free from political exploitation or media incitement. He expressed confidence in the ability of the competent authorities in both countries to handle the events with a spirit of responsibility and cooperation—safeguarding victims’ rights, preserving fraternal relations, and thwarting attempts to sow discord and division.
He also paid tribute to the Sudanese miners who lost their lives in the border region and the Egyptian citizens killed in Khartoum, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured individual.
– Egypt: The Key Supporter
Ahmed Imbabi, Editor-in-Chief of *Rose al-Yusuf* magazine, affirmed that Egypt remains the primary supporter of Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He emphasized the necessity of awaiting the results of official investigations into two incidents—the killing of Sudanese miners on the Egyptian-Sudanese border and the killing of two Egyptian drivers (with a third injured) in Khartoum—and allowing competent authorities to uncover the facts and take the necessary legal measures.
Imbabi told Sudanhorizon that official investigations are capable of revealing the truth in a substantiated manner. He explained that addressing these incidents requires distinguishing between three fundamental aspects: the nature of Egyptian-Sudanese relations; the right of countries to protect their borders and sovereignty; and the need to avoid blowing isolated incidents out of proportion or exploiting them to harm relations between the two peoples.
He underscored that Egyptian-Sudanese relations follow a steadfast and deeply rooted path, driven by the historic fraternal and grassroots bonds uniting the peoples of the Nile Valley, as well as the shared positions and interests of both nations. He noted that Egypt stands as the foremost supporter of Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity—particularly during the war waged by the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces—pointing out that Cairo’s stance has served as a bulwark against numerous conspiracies targeting Sudan and its national institutions. Stoking Discord:
Imbabi cited the Egyptian presidency’s statement issued on December 18, 2025, which established clear red lines regarding Sudan’s security, stability, and unity. He viewed this statement as a reflection of Egypt’s stance in support of the Sudanese state and its national institutions. He suggested that some of the current events might be an attempt to sow discord between the Sudanese state and its primary ally—a staunch supporter of its unity and sovereignty—asserting that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their collaborators are the ones benefiting from these attempts to drive a wedge, particularly given the accusations they face regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Sudanese people. He noted that, according to official statements from state institutions, Egyptian authorities are taking necessary measures to protect national sovereignty, especially along the southern border. He explained that, per the Egyptian military spokesperson, law enforcement forces carried out a major campaign against illegal gold mining operations in the Eastern Desert; based on his reading of the statement, this indicates the operations took place within Egyptian territory rather than outside it. He added that results from previous campaigns show those involved in these illicit activities belong to armed gangs of various nationalities—not solely Sudanese—and emphasized Egypt’s right to take the necessary steps to secure its borders and uphold its national sovereignty.
– Isolated Incident:
Regarding the incident in which Egyptian drivers were targeted in Khartoum, Imbabi viewed it as an isolated event that does not reflect the true nature of official and people-to-people relations between Egypt and Sudan. He emphasized the deep-rooted ties between the two peoples, citing Egypt’s reception of its Sudanese brethren during the war and noting Cairo’s willingness to contribute to reconstruction efforts within Sudan. He also urged Egyptian and Sudanese elites not to be swayed by attempts by the Rapid Support Forces militia to incite discord between the two peoples.
He called for supporting the unity of the Nile Valley and preserving the historic ties binding the two nations, urging that isolated incidents—or attempts to exploit them—not be allowed to undermine these deep-rooted bonds.
– Spreading Rumors:
For his part, Youssef Ayoub, Editor-in-Chief of the Egyptian newspaper *Sout Al-Umma*, noted that the issue of *Dahhaba* (artisanal gold miners) is one of the matters exploited by some to strain relations between Egypt and Sudan. He pointed out that the issue involves legal and criminal aspects currently being addressed through coordination between the security agencies of both countries, ensuring the protection of each nation’s resources.
Ayoub told Sudanhorizon that the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Armed Forces had announced details of a major campaign to combat illegal gold mining in the Eastern Desert. He explained that the campaign is being conducted within Egyptian territory and that enforcement actions against violators do not discriminate based on nationality—applying equally to Egyptians and foreign nationals alike. He added that the campaign cannot be viewed as targeting Sudanese brethren, who fully appreciate the strong ties and shared destiny binding the two nations.
Ayoub emphasized that certain parties attempt to exploit such events to spread rumors intended to damage Egyptian-Sudanese relations, pointing to the intense activity of “electronic armies” on social media—activities he described as fueling discord between the two peoples. He noted that the entities behind and directing these groups are well known, and that their goal is to undermine the fraternal bonds between Egyptians and Sudanese. He affirmed that the Sudanese people recognize Egypt’s efforts to safeguard Sudan’s security, stability, unity, and sovereignty—principles Cairo has repeatedly underscored, most recently at the quadrilateral summit held in New Alamein City. That summit was attended by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the presidents of Somalia and Eritrea.
Ayoub stated that, during the summit, Egypt reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and borders of every nation, stressing that Cairo recognizes the importance of these principles and upholds them in all its actions.
– Containing the Crisis:
Ultimately, containing the crisis depends on the clarity of official information, the swift completion of investigations, and the determination of responsibility based on evidence and the law. Safeguarding bilateral relations is not at odds with uncovering the circumstances surrounding the killing of the Sudanese miners; likewise, condemning the killing of the Egyptian drivers does not justify leveling unsubstantiated accusations regarding responsibility for the incident. Given the sensitive security and political developments in the region, it is crucial for Cairo and Khartoum to maintain communication, exchange information regarding both incidents, and avoid inflammatory rhetoric and prejudgments, thereby upholding the rights of the victims and preserving historic ties and shared interests.
Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=18996