Gold traders in Sudan’s city of Omdurman have commenced an indefinite strike on Monday,July 21,following the violent robbery of a colleague,Omar Mohamed,who was ambushed by armed assailants dressed in military uniforms. According to Khalid Al-Khanjar,head of the Chamber of Gold Traders,the attackers used a vehicle equipped with an RPG,disabled Mohamed’s car,abducted him,and fled with over a kilogram of gold before abandoning him in a remote area. Al-Khanjar expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity,warning that the situation threatens the viability of more than 340 gold businesses and could lead to a mass exodus of traders if immediate action is not taken.
The traders’ strike reflects wider public frustration over the state’s inability to curb lawlessness in key urban centres like Omdurman and Port Sudan,where violent crimes have surged in recent weeks. Despite recent police crackdowns,including the seizure of unlicensed weapons and motorcycles,traders remain sceptical,citing lack of official response and growing burdens such as a sharp increase in taxes—from 100,000 to 900,000 Sudanese pounds. Al-Khanjar lamented the government’s silence,demanding urgent and effective intervention to protect livelihoods and restore public order.
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