Delegates from the Great Lakes region Thursday gathered in Juba for a three-day forum on illegal mineral exploitation and enhancing cross-border trade.
South Sudan Ministry of Mining, the European Union (EU), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), organized the forum.
Its theme is: 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.
South Sudan Mining Minister Martin Gama Abucha opened the forum with a call for sustainable practices to counteract the illegal activities driven by poverty and job scarcity.
“If we don’t invest in responsible mineral management, we lose the potential benefits to illegal exploiters,” said Abucha.
He emphasized the need to integrate the region through infrastructure and create job opportunities.
EU Ambassador to South Sudan Timo Olkkonen stressed the importance of a unified regional strategy.
“A harmonized approach is crucial for tapping into the Great Lakes region’s rich mineral resources, but it is equally essential for addressing root causes of insecurity. By establishing strong, transparent frameworks, we can work towards regional stability and development,” he stated.
The discussions focused on policies to support legal mineral supply, combat illicit mining, and strengthen the economies of the member states.
Sudan’s Minister for Minerals Mohamed Bashir Abdallah Mennawi highlighted how illegal mining funded conflict and destabilized the region, saying: “We must prevent the illegal exploitation of minerals that finance rebel activities and fuel insecurity.”
The Sudan representative also called for the international support in tracing illicit gold, which often crosses borders unchecked.
“The transfer of illegally mined gold, especially to markets with lenient controls, remains a challenge. We need global cooperation to trace these resources effectively,” he stated.
The forum participants outlined steps towards developing a mineral beneficiation framework, to enhance local economies and address regional infrastructure gaps.
ICGLR Executive Secretary Mungyereza Ham emphasized the need for integrated trade policies.
“Only through strong partnerships can we build trust among populations, governments, and the private sector to foster fair access to global markets,” he said.
There was a session dedicated to promoting inclusive policies in the mineral sector.
The forum also underscored the need for gender-and-youth-sensitive approaches to mining initiatives.
“Empowering women and youth in this sector can drive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and foster inclusive prosperity,” noted the ICGLR representative.