UAE's growing influence in Africa: ports, gold, and mercenaries, as documented by the Financial Times

The report details how, during the April 2023 conflict in Khartoum, Sudan, 1.5 tons of gold ingots and jewelry were looted from the public gold refinery and Central Bank. This gold reportedly crossed into Chad and South Sudan before being flown out of Juba airport on UAE-chartered planes, an accusation denied by the Rapid Support Forces RSF. Swissaid estimates that nearly $30 billion worth of artisanal gold is exported annually from Africa to Dubai without declaration, contributing to the UAE's significant financial reserves.

The UAE's expansion began in the 2000s with DP World securing port concessions in Djibouti, Maputo, and Dakar. The Dubai-based group now operates in thirteen African countries, with investments exceeding $168 billion since 2017, primarily through International Holding Company. These investments span various strategic sectors, from a wind farm in Egypt to mining operations in Zambia, Mali, and Congo.

The port of Berbera in Somaliland exemplifies the UAE's approach, combining commercial development with military presence, including a naval base and an airfield. While Dubai focuses on commerce, Abu Dhabi is involved in security and monitoring maritime routes in the Gulf of Aden. However, this growing influence has led to suspicion, particularly in North Africa,