Sudanese Factories Face Devastating Looting Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Khartoum, Sudan – February 20, 2026 – The Sudanese Federation of Industrial Chambers has issued a stark warning regarding the relentless looting of factories in the industrial zone south of Khartoum. Unnamed armed forces are reportedly involved in these widespread violations, exacerbating the already dire economic situation in the war-torn nation.
Abbas Ali al-Sayed, Secretary-General of the Federation, detailed the ongoing crisis, stating that factories in the southern Khartoum industrial zone are consistently subjected to armed robbery in broad daylight. He observed that perpetrators, often identified by their military ranks, are actively seen loading looted goods directly from the facilities.
The industrial sector has borne the brunt of the conflict, with all its facets significantly impacted. Industries located in Khartoum and the informal belts surrounding the capital have been particularly hard-hit. The industrial zone bordering the Mayo area, situated in the “South Belt,” has reportedly suffered the most severe damage. This zone, originally conceived as a hub for heavy industry and equipped with modern iron smelting, electronics, and assembly plants constructed over the past 15 years, now stands as a testament to the destructive power of the conflict.
According to al-Sayed, approximately 450 factories within this devastated area have been completely looted. The plunder has been comprehensive, encompassing raw materials, finished products, furniture, essential furnace fuel, vehicles, cash from safes, and even heavy machinery. This widespread negligence has unfortunately created an environment where the looting of remaining industrial assets has continued unabated, even in areas that were initially less affected by the conflict. The relentless assault on the industrial sector has directly obstructed any meaningful return of economic activity in Khartoum, Khartoum North (Bahri), and significant portions of Omdurman.
The Federation has urgently called upon the authorities to implement measures to protect the remaining industrial facilities and to establish an immediate reconstruction plan. The restoration of production capabilities is deemed absolutely essential for any hope of economic recovery.
The “Copper Crime”: A Devastating Blow to Infrastructure
A particularly egregious form of plunder involves the systematic looting of Khartoum and Bahri’s electrical grid infrastructure. Transformers, motors, and cables are being targeted for their copper content, a practice al-Sayed has labelled the “greatest economic crime” to emerge from the conflict. This destruction of critical electrical components directly impedes the restoration of power and consequently obstructs the resumption of vital industrial and production activities.
Al-Sayed revealed that he contacted relevant authorities, including those responsible for Economic Security, over a year ago, demanding a comprehensive investigation into these crimes. However, to date, no official inquiry has been initiated. He underscored that the return of residents to their homes and neighbourhoods is intrinsically linked to the restoration of basic services, with electricity being paramount.
The intricate network of these looting operations begins with individuals who steal and often burn components to extract copper. This raw material is then sold by weight to small-scale traders, who in turn supply larger dealers. Al-Sayed noted that significant quantities of this stolen copper were exported before a formal ban on copper exports was officially enacted. He believes that the closure of official export channels has inadvertently fueled an increase in smuggling, citing a recent seizure of smuggled copper in River Nile State as evidence.
Rebuilding Infrastructure: A Call for Government Responsibility
The Secretary-General has implored the government to assume responsibility for the rehabilitation of the nation’s electrical infrastructure. He highlighted a historical context where some factories were previously mandated to purchase transformers at their own expense, only to then cede them to the Sudanese Electricity Company. In the current crisis, however, the state is expected to provide these critical components to the private sector at the lowest possible cost.
Al-Sayed expressed strong criticism regarding the apparent lack of priority afforded to the productive sector within the current reconstruction plans. He argued that directing electricity solely to residential areas, without a parallel and urgent focus on industrial zones, represents a significant error in economic management.
He concluded by emphasizing that agricultural and industrial production represent the most natural and effective entry points for stimulating consumption and generating much-needed employment. A fundamental shift in the “economic management mindset” is urgently required to place production at the very forefront of national priorities, paving the way for sustainable recovery and development.
