The Border Triangle… A Struggle Over Economic Resources
Sudan Events – Agencies
The Sudanese army’s announcement of its withdrawal from the border area between Egypt and Libya, known as the “Triangle,” has raised concerns over the economic resources in the region, particularly minerals — most notably gold.
The border triangle lies between Sudan, Egypt, and Libya, north of El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region. The border begins in the north at the tri-border point with Egypt on Mount Uwaynat and stretches south along the 25° East longitude for 223 kilometers (138 miles) down to the 20° North latitude.
The region is referred to as the “Golden Triangle” or “the Tripoint Area,” and it holds significant economic value. It is rich in natural resources such as gold and other minerals, in addition to its strategic location that facilitates trade and transport between the three countries.
On Wednesday, the Sudanese army announced that its forces had vacated the border triangle area with Egypt and Libya. In a statement, it said that the move was “part of defensive arrangements to repel aggression,” while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared control over the border triangle between Sudan, Libya, and Egypt.
Over recent years, the three countries have made several attempts to develop the area into a zone of economic integration, but these efforts have not yielded tangible results. Instead, the region has turned into a corridor for smuggling goods and contraband.
In 2009, the first international conference on the Egyptian-Libyan-Sudanese partnership recommended reviving the Golden Triangle project, which includes joint development initiatives. These included establishing an integrated zone on the tri-border, cultivating portions of Sudanese land using Libyan capital and Egyptian agricultural-industrial technology to ensure food security for the peoples of the Golden Triangle. It also suggested founding a joint mineral exploration company and expanding scholarships for students and researchers from the three nations.
The conference also called for research projects to focus on advancing development, investment, and mutual cooperation among the three countries. It urged the disclosure of maps showing minefields planted since World War II—especially in Egypt and Libya—as these mines hinder joint development efforts.
Mohamed Taher Omar, Director General of the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, revealed that the triangle area is devoid of licensed mining companies.
Speaking to Al-Muhaqqiq (The Investigator), Omar said that there are no formal mining companies in the area, only traditional miners.
He stated, “There are no operating mining companies — the area is limited to artisanal mining only.”
Meanwhile, economic analyst Dr. Haitham Mohamed Fathi explained that the Uwaynat Triangle is administratively affiliated with Wadi Halfa in the far north of Sudan. He noted that the region has an administrative unit overseeing its services.
Speaking to Al-Muhaqqiq, he emphasized that the area is rich in minerals and borders the three countries. Additionally, it is a tourist destination known for its mountainous landscape, attracting tourists from all three nations for mountain climbing.
He pointed out that the region hosts some services, such as health units and small markets serving local miners, along with a customs post for vehicles previously referred to as “Boko Haram cars.”
Fathi warned that the army’s withdrawal could undermine security stability and affect mining activities and investor operations in the region.
He noted that the lack of security would negatively impact the region’s economic activity, existing investments, and tourism.
He described the area as strategically important to the three nations because of the presence of investment companies that may suffer from any instability.
On the other hand, economic expert Dr. Mohamed El-Nayer confirmed that the Sudanese army’s withdrawal from the triangle was part of efforts to reorganize and prepare for protecting surrounding areas.
In his remarks to Al-Muhaqqiq, El-Nayer said the triangle is rich in natural resources, noting previous proposals to make the area a zone of economic integration among the three countries.
He expressed regret over the tensions in the region but stressed that, according to his knowledge, the area is not close to active mining sites, which are mostly located in the Northern State and its borders.
El-Nayer downplayed the immediate economic impact of the RSF presence in the triangle, pointing out that there are no major investments currently operating in the area.
He explained that any potential economic effect would more likely be felt in cross-border trade among the three nations rather than in the mining sector. He ruled out any significant economic consequences unless major developments occur in the area, asserting that the Sudanese army is capable of regaining control and securing the region.
Source almohagig website
