Delegates from the Great Lakes region gathered in Juba, South Sudan, on Thursday for a three-day forum aimed at tackling the issues of illegal mineral exploitation and boosting cross-border trade. Organized by South Sudan’s Ministry of Mining, the European Union (EU), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the forum seeks to foster a coordinated approach for mineral value addition and cross-border cooperation to enhance regional stability.
The forum’s theme, “A Harmonized Regional Approach for Mineral Value Addition and Cross-Border Cooperation for the Maximization of Benefits from Mineral Resources and Promotion of Peace and Stability,” highlights the urgent need to address the detrimental effects of illegal mining and unlock the full economic potential of the region’s mineral resources.
South Sudan’s Mining Minister, Martin Gama Abucha, opened the forum by advocating for sustainable practices in mineral management. He stressed that illegal mining, driven by poverty and a lack of employment, deprives the region of its potential. “If we do not invest in responsible mineral management, we risk losing the benefits to illegal exploiters,” Abucha cautioned.
The Minister further emphasized the need for better regional integration through infrastructure development and the creation of job opportunities to reduce illicit exploitation of mineral resources.
Timo Olkkonen, the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, underscored the importance of a unified approach to solving these challenges. He explained that a coordinated regional strategy is not only vital for fully utilizing the region’s mineral wealth but also for addressing the root causes of insecurity. “By creating strong and transparent frameworks, we can contribute to regional stability and development,” Olkkonen stated.
Forum discussions focused on formulating policies that support legal mineral supply chains, curb illegal mining, and strengthen the economies of the region’s member states. Sudan’s Minister for Minerals, Mohamed Bashir Abdallah Mennawi, raised concerns about how illegal mining fuels conflict and instability. He emphasized the need to prevent mineral exploitation that finances rebel activities and exacerbates regional insecurity.
Mennawi also called for global collaboration in tracking illicit gold, which is frequently smuggled across borders. “Illegally mined gold, especially when moved to markets with lax controls, remains a significant problem,” he noted. “International cooperation is crucial to effectively trace these resources.”
Participants also discussed the need for a mineral beneficiation framework to improve local economies and address regional infrastructure gaps. Mungyereza Ham, Executive Secretary of ICGLR, highlighted the importance of integrated trade policies to build trust between governments, the private sector, and local populations.
A key topic was the promotion of inclusive policies in the mineral sector, with a focus on empowering women and youth. “By empowering women and young people, we can drive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and foster inclusive prosperity,” an ICGLR representative emphasized.
This forum represents a significant step in strengthening regional collaboration and promoting sustainable practices in the mining industry, ensuring long-term benefits for the Great Lakes region.
