Defence Minister General Hassan Daoud Kabroun stressed the importance of finding effective solutions to the issue of mineral smuggling. He highlighted the need to implement a number of programmes to combat smuggling, including establishing sound export infrastructure in the states, strengthening controls, reinforcing state authority, taking firm action against smuggling, enforcing deterrent penalties on offenders, applying the law equally, and ensuring internal order. Addressing the First Hope Forum on Mining Issues in Khartoum, the minister called for adopting flexible measures in dealing with producers, supporting legal export promotion programmes, unifying transaction channels in the mining sector, upgrading mineral resource infrastructure, regulating mining activities, and linking work in the sector to Sudanese identity requirements by ensuring that workers possess valid identification documents. He praised the national positions of the Ministers of Finance and Minerals and their efforts in supporting the state during the Battle of Dignity through strong determination, sound resource management, and the effective utilization of resources to strengthen the state’s position. The minister added that regional leaders and state walis have made significant contributions to supporting the war effort, providing the necessary backing to fighters on the ground, and supporting programmes aimed at preparing the capital, Khartoum, for the return of citizens.BH/BH