The Dark Side of Gold: How 'Blood Gold' Fuels Conflict in West Africa

Sun Oct 19 2025 10:13:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

West Africa's gold mining is thriving but at a significant human cost, as military regimes and extremist groups vie for control amid rising prices and ongoing violence.

The surge in global gold prices has both bolstered and complicated the socio-political landscape of West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. Militaries in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger rely heavily on gold revenues to fund counterterrorism efforts, while armed groups benefit from the wealth of artisanal mining, perpetuating violence. Despite the lucrative opportunities, local miners see little financial gain, raising questions about the ethics of gold sourcing and the long-term consequences of conflict-driven economies.

Gold's rise in value amid global economic turmoil has transformed it into a coveted asset, attracting interest from various investors, including central banks and hedge funds. In the Sahel region of West Africa, this gold rush has profound implications for the local governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where military juntas are battling jihadist insurgencies and suffering from economic isolation. The lucrative trade offers a potential lifeline as these states produce approximately 230 tonnes of gold annually, valued at around $15 billion, according to the World Gold Council.

Experts like Beverly Ochieng of Control Risks assert that military governments are eager to capitalize on the historic highs of gold prices. As Russian influence grows in the region, with firms like the Yadran Group investing in gold refining, the dynamics of gold production and revenue distribution are evolving. Public relations campaigns utilize AI-generated content to bolster military leaders’ images, but the reality on the ground is starkly different.

Funding for counter-terrorism efforts is strained, and local budgets are heavily tilted towards military expenditures. Human Rights Watch has reported allegations of atrocities committed by both state forces and the Wagner Group, raising concerns over civilian safety and human rights violations. With militants gaining ground, particularly Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), the region's stability hangs in the balance.

Artisanal mining, often unregulated and informal, further complicates the landscape. This sector provides a substantial income for armed groups alongside weak government oversight. Most artisanal gold is believed to end up in refining hotspots like the UAE, complicating tracking efforts and allowing for potential "blood gold" to re-enter international markets unnoticed.

Despite the rising prices, miners see little financial benefit, with wages remaining stagnant. Experts warn that gold has emerged as a new conflict commodity akin to blood diamonds in past conflicts. Current attempts to enforce ethical standards for gold sourcing are fragmented and lack unified implementation, hindering efforts to regulate the trade and protect communities affected by violence.

As the interplay between governance, conflict, and economics continues in the Sahel, its citizens may be left bearing the burdens of a thriving gold industry that does not share its wealth with them. With the international community still grappling with the challenges of ethical sourcing, the future of gold in West Africa remains precarious, and the cycle of exploitation may continue unabated.