Sudan Forms Fact-Finding Committee to Investigate Deaths of Sudanese Gold Miners on Egyptian Border
Khartoum (Sudanese Echoes) – The Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) mourned the Sudanese citizens who lost their lives in the tragic incident involving a number of Sudanese miners in the border area between Sudan and Egypt. The Council extended its heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the families and relatives of the victims, praying to Almighty Allah to grant them His vast mercy and forgiveness and to inspire their loved ones with patience and solace.
President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (TSC) General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan issued a decision to form a fact-finding committee comprising representatives of the Public Prosecution, relevant judicial authorities, and security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, establish all the facts and related details, and submit a report on the findings.
The TSC stressed that protecting the lives of Sudanese citizens and safeguarding their safety and dignity are fundamental responsibilities of the state. It underscored the need to address the incident seriously to ensure that the facts are uncovered and that the border is protected and respected.
The leaderships of the two brotherly countries remained in contact immediately after the incident to help protect lives, preserve the close relations between the two peoples, establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, and ensure that the facts are made available to the public.
The day before yesterday, three survivors of the attacks told Sudan Tribune that the strikes targeting traditional gold-mining sites near the Sudanese-Egyptian border last Saturday had killed at least 200 people and left hundreds of others seriously injured. Fears remain that the death toll could rise due to the lack of medical care and the difficult terrain.
This was the second attack on Sudanese miners in the border area since the bombing that took place last June.
During a visit at the time to the Al-Ritj area in Halayib locality, Red Sea State, Al-Burhan said that the government had been following with concern reports of problems along the border. He stressed that the government bore full responsibility for caring for and protecting its citizens and would conduct the necessary investigations into these incidents.
Last June, Al-Burhan also announced the government’s intention to investigate following a similar attack on Sudanese miners.
Earlier today, Amjad Farid, an adviser to the TSC President, described the assault and bombing of Sudanese miners as an unjustifiable and unacceptable crime.
Farid said there were numerous ways to enforce the law and address any border violations, but using airstrikes against civilians could not, and should not, be among them, particularly given that open channels of communication were available to resolve such issues.
He stressed that Sudanese lives are precious and that the Sudanese state, despite being exhausted by war, would remain responsible for protecting all its citizens.