Sudanese businessmen close to al-Burhan implicated in smuggling 7 tons of gold to Turkey
A reliable source in the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who refused to disclose his identity, revealed that a number of Sudanese businessmen close to the head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, are currently in Turkey, coordinating with the Turks to smuggle 7 tons of gold from Port Sudan to Turkey through a private plane after agreeing to facilitate the procedures.
The responsible source stated that Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, controlled by elements of the former regime in Sudan, is working to stay in power and is assisting Turkey in obtaining gold. Turkey aims for Sudan to be its main gateway in Africa in exchange for political and military support for al-Burhan and the Muslim Brotherhood group in Sudan.
The official mentioned that the Muslim Brotherhood is currently inclined to target countries that can be used to achieve its goals of returning to power, such as Turkey.
The responsible source stated that since the exit of the Sudanese army commander from the general command, leaders of the former regime in Sudan have intensified their partnership with Turkey through Sudanese businessmen affiliated with the ousted regime in Sudan and close to the Chief of Staff Abdul Fattah al-Burhan.
It is worth mentioning that Turkey seeks to be Sudan’s gateway to Europe, as Sudan is to be Turkey’s gateway to Africa.
Turkey shows remarkable interest in Sudan not only because the regime controlling the continuation of the war has Islamic references but also due to its geographic location and the natural resources it possesses. Sudan has a huge reserve of gold, ranking third in Africa after South Africa and Ghana.
The current crisis in Sudan is seen as an entry point for countries like Turkey to increase their investments in this country. Observers believe that Ankara, aspiring to enhance its regional and international influence, considers economic investment and charitable work as essential means to penetrate countries, especially those facing crises like Sudan.
Turkey wants to diversify its economy and explore new consumer markets, amid concerns about the possibility of facing shocks similar to those experienced by its economy in recent times.
