Egypt and Sudan Launch Joint Probe into Khartoum Shootings Following Border Air Strike

Egypt and Sudan have initiated a joint investigation into the fatal shooting of two Egyptian nationals in Khartoum. This incident follows a deadly air strike near the Egyptian border that claimed the lives of numerous Sudanese goldminers over the weekend.

Sudanese police reported the apprehension of the alleged gunman, identified as 23-year-old Ibrahim Abdullah Adam. Authorities state that Adam confessed to carrying out the attack, which also injured a third Egyptian, as an act of retribution for his brother's death in the Saturday air strike. All three Egyptian victims were identified as lorry drivers. A Sudanese police officer sustained injuries during an exchange of gunfire before the suspect's arrest.

"The investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident and its motives," police stated late Monday. "We will firmly deal with the matter under the law."

Neither Egypt nor Sudan has publicly attributed responsibility for the air strike. The Egyptian military released a statement indicating that its forces and police are actively combating "illegal" gold prospecting activities in the country's Eastern Desert. The military had previously issued warnings via flyers to what it termed criminal elements, urging them to cease illegal mining activities to ensure the "full sovereignty is safeguarded inside the Egyptian state's borders."

Concurrently, Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced it is closely monitoring the "regrettable" shooting incident in Khartoum. The ministry confirmed that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Sudanese counterpart, Mohieldin Salem, held a phone conversation on Monday evening. The ministers reportedly "emphasised the mutual respect that binds the two nations, including respect for each other's sovereignty, and the safety and integrity of their territories and borders."

The air strike near the border was initially brought to light by Sudanese human rights and watchdog organizations, including the Emergency Lawyers, the Somoud alliance, and the Sudan Doctors' Network. These groups reported varying death toll figures, ranging from 13 to 72, with some Sudanese media outlets suggesting the number could be as high as 200.

The Somoud alliance stated, "We reject the targeting of civilians and putting their lives at risk, which cannot be justified on security grounds." They added, "The leadership of the relevant authorities appointed by the armed forces bears the responsibility for what happens in areas under their control."

Sudan's military-led Sovereign Council confirmed the air strike occurred in the border region with Egypt. The council stated, "The leadership in the two brotherly nations have been in contact since immediately after the incident took place to guarantee the protection of lives and safeguarding relations between the two peoples, find out the circumstances of the incident and give public opinion ownership of the facts."

Unverified images and videos circulating online purportedly show the aftermath of the air strike, depicting casualties and distressed survivors. The influx of gold prospectors into northern Sudan has increased in recent years, driven by the economic impact of the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, compelling many to seek alternative income sources.

In June, Egypt's military reported a large-scale operation in the country's south targeting gangs involved in drug and arms trafficking, as well as illegal gold prospecting, resulting in the arrest of 87 Egyptians and 136 foreigners.

Gold production in Sudan has long been a complex and often illicit industry, attracting various actors seeking rapid financial gains. The current gold rush is partly a consequence of South Sudan's secession in 2011, which led to the loss of most of the country's oilfields. The civil war that began in April 2023 has further intensified the competition for gold resources, with estimates suggesting around two million artisanal miners are involved.

While official figures indicate Sudan's gold export revenue is approximately $2 billion, experts believe that smuggling and off-the-books transactions account for significantly higher amounts. Last year, Sudan produced about 70 tonnes of gold, with only 20 tonnes officially exported, while the remainder was either smuggled or processed in rudimentary local refineries.