Sudan establishes special courts to tackle drug, arms and gold smuggling

On 2 August 2026 the Sudanese Security and Defense Council, chaired by Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, announced the creation of special courts to prosecute drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling and gold smuggling. The council also issued a ban on the presence of regular army personnel and allied militia in gold‑mining areas and ordered the seizure of illegal weapons and vehicles.

The decision follows concerns that Sudan, a major transit route for human trafficking, has seen a surge in drug trade and that most of its gold output is smuggled abroad. Official figures show 70 tonnes of gold produced last year, but only 14 tonnes were recorded as exported, indicating extensive illicit flows. The council said the measures aim to protect national security, uphold the rule of law and stabilise the country amid ongoing conflict.