Sudan: El Burhan Promises Probe Into 'Egypt Attack On Sudanese Miners'

Lead

Sudan’s Sovereignty Council President and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, has promised to investigate reports that Egyptian forces attacked Sudanese miners near the border, according to reports from AllAfrica. The pledge came during a visit to the border area of El Rataj in Red Sea state, where tensions have been running high over alleged military operations inside Sudanese territory.

Allegations have emerged that Egyptian forces carried out aerial bombardments on gold mining sites on June 17 and 18, killing and injuring dozens of miners who say the site lies within Sudanese territory. Survivors have reportedly described a deadly incident that killed more than 50 miners. The Sudanese government has not yet released an official death toll, and Cairo has not issued a public response to the allegations, though the Egyptian Armed Forces announced a security operation in the southern border region, according to reporting by AllAfrica.

Coverage Comparison

The story has been covered by AllAfrica, which aggregates African news sources. Two separate reports from the outlet present somewhat different emphases. One report focuses on El Burhan’s pledge to investigate, while the other, sourced from Darfur Victims Advocacy, highlights allegations of a fresh operation against miners and details an arrest raid.

Both reports agree on the core allegations: that Egyptian forces have been accused of attacking Sudanese miners near the border, and that these attacks have caused deaths and injuries. They also agree that tensions have risen in the area, leading to military reinforcements being deployed.

However, the reports differ in their framing. The first report, centered on El Burhan’s visit, presents the incident primarily as a border security matter and includes his call for Sudanese citizens not to cross into Egyptian territory. The second report, based on testimonies from a human rights organization and witnesses, is more critical of both Egyptian actions and the Sudanese military's response, alleging that Sudanese military intelligence pressured miners to delete photographic evidence.

The available reports do not include any statement from Egyptian officials directly responding to the accusations. They do, however, note that the Egyptian Armed Forces announced a security operation in the southern border region, though the specifics of that operation and its relation to the attacks are not detailed in the material.

Key Claims

• Alleged aerial bombardments: Miners accused Egyptian forces of carrying out aerial bombardments on a gold mining area on June 17 and 18, killing and injuring dozens. Survivors reportedly said the attack killed more than 50 miners inside Sudanese territory.
• El Burhan’s investigation pledge: Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan promised to investigate reports that Sudanese citizens were attacked after crossing into Egypt, during a visit to El Rataj in Red Sea state. He urged citizens not to cross into Egyptian territory.
• Arrests and injuries: Darfur Victims Advocacy said Egyptian forces arrested 67 Sudanese miners and wounded three others during a raid in the Wadi El Atri area on June 21. The organisation cited witnesses who said a force of around 60 military vehicles surrounded mining sites before arresting miners and opening fire.
• Pressure on witnesses: The rights group alleged that Sudanese military intelligence summoned seven miners and ordered them to delete photographs and videos of the incident, confiscating mobile phones and warning against publishing material documenting the attack.
• Community tensions: Disputes between the Bishariyn and Rashaida communities in El Rataj over market ownership and administration have raised fears of tribal clashes. The Free Rashaida Youth Organisation rejected calls to expel Rashaida residents, arguing no group can claim ownership of state land.
• Military deployment: The Red Sea State Security Committee deployed military reinforcements to the area after an emergency meeting chaired by Governor Maj Gen Mustafa Mohamed Nour. Authorities said the deployment was aimed at restoring order and enforcing state authority in a region that hosts gold-mining sites and smuggling routes.

Perspectives

Sudanese Government: Lt Gen El Burhan pledged to investigate the attacks and announced army units would remain permanently in the border area. He stressed that all Sudanese have the right to live and work anywhere in the country, while also urging citizens not to cross into Egyptian territory, and warned against carrying weapons.

Darfur Victims Advocacy: The rights group accused Egyptian forces of a fresh operation against Sudanese gold miners and alleged that Sudanese military intelligence sought to suppress evidence. It cited witness testimonies and raised humanitarian concerns at Sudan’s northern border crossings.

Local Community Groups: The Free Rashaida Youth Organisation rejected demands to expel Rashaida residents, arguing that no group has the right to claim ownership of state land and calling for legal registration of land rights and protection from extortion.