Gold Exporters Division: We Are Still Exporting to UAE Due to lack of Alternative

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shamam

An official in the Sudanese Gold Exporters Division revealed on Tuesday that “gold exports to the United Arab Emirates are still continuing.”

Atef Ahmed Abdel Qader, a member of the Gold Exporters Division and official spokesperson for the Goldsmiths Division, has confirmed that there are no directives to halt gold exports to the UAE yet.

In a statement to Sudanhorizon news website, Atef revealed that a meeting was held on Monday between exporters and a committee composed of sovereign bodies to discuss the implications of the decision to halt gold exports to the UAE.
Last Tuesday, Sudan’s National Security and Defence Council announced the severing of diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, declaring it an “aggression state,” and withdrawing the ambassador and consulate general. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs later reversed part of the decision and maintained the consulate general in Dubai until further notice.

The spokesperson for the Gold Exporters Division explained that there are difficulties in opening new markets for gold exports, the most important of which is the issue of money transfers.

He pointed out that all markets that have been approached are hindered by the issue of remittances, as Sudan’s name is still on the US sanctions list.

He continued, “Even gold sold abroad has found its way back to Dubai.”

Abdul Qader stressed the importance of separating economic decisions from political ones, stating that the current circumstances facing the country require prioritizing the public interest, given the economic blockade and war.

He added, “Gold exports to the UAE are the fastest-growing, due to the ease of remittances.”

The Sudanese government accuses the UAE of supporting the terrorist Rapid Support Forces militia in its war with the Sudanese army, since April 2023.

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