The poisons of war extend to the environment… the Sudanese army turns residential areas into hubs of chemical pollution

The Sudanese army is not content with the war and the daily suffering it causes to millions of people; it is also involved in activities that pollute the environment and spread diseases.

Residents of the city of Atbara stated, in remarks reported by Al Rakoba News, that a site belonging to the artillery branch is witnessing operations to process mining waste known as “gold karta” (gold tailings). They confirmed that the activities taking place inside the camp have caused environmental pollution and the spread of diseases among local residents.

The residents indicated that these processing operations are carried out using chemical substances such as mercury and cyanide.

They also pointed out that the waste resulting from these substances has affected the soil and groundwater in the areas surrounding the camp.

Moreover, residents fear that the pollution could extend to water sources used for agriculture and daily consumption, according to the same source.

The newspaper quoted an informed source stating that the commander of the artillery, Major General Mohamed Al-Amin, oversees companies affiliated with the army operating in the mining sector of River Nile State, including the company “Shoushnai,” which is active in processing gold tailings.

The source explained that this company is locally known for its unregulated use of chemical substances employed in extraction processes.

It added that army-linked companies operate at several sites within the state and that their activity has expanded recently despite environmental concerns raised by residents.

The governor of River Nile State had previously issued a decision allowing army companies working in gold tailings to operate approximately 5,000 dump trucks within the state, which drew criticism from residents who believe the decision reinforces activities related to the processing of “karta” within residential areas.