Fever and smuggling in North Darfur gold mines

The North Darfur government confirmed the emergence of diseases and fevers in the state's mining areas, in particular Jebel 'Amer, as well as a number of foreigners who smuggle large quantities out of the country.

Ahmed Mohamed Sadig El Karori, North Darfur Minister of Minerals, acknowledged the two problems during a meeting with the state government in El Fasher. He claimed that the ministry’s aim is to control the mining in North Darfur, especially in Jebel 'Amer, El Sareif Beni Hussein locality.

El Karori pledged to regulate prospection in Jebel 'Amer, and to correct the current situation.

The governor of North Darfur, Osman Mohamed Kibir, confirmed that the mining in the state has caused security and administrative problems. He said that health has become an issue too, pointing to the emergence of unknown fevers in the area.

The governor also pointed out that the presence of foreigners from West African countries in the mining areas has led to smuggling. The gold workers are contracted in the mines without the involvement of the state. The smuggled quantities are larger than those entering the markets.

Kibir added that the mines need security control for the benefit of all parties.

Dozens of people died recently, owing to the spread of various diseases in Jebel 'Amer. Measles and hemorrhagic fever caused the deaths, according to an activist speaking to Radio Dabanga from El Sareif last week.