Journalist Dr. Magdi Kamel ElHawary writes : Why Darfur… and What Is the Secret Surrounding the Darfur File in Sudan?.

Darfur is not merely a geographical region in western Sudan; it is one of the most complex and controversial areas in Africa, where geography intertwines with history, and natural wealth intersects with prolonged conflict, forming an enduring enigma.

First: Name and Historical Roots
Darfur derives its name from “Dar al-Fur,” meaning “Land of the Fur,” the ethnic group that ruled the Islamic Sultanate of Darfur for centuries. This sultanate was an influential and independent political entity until the Ottoman era. One of its most prominent rulers, Sultan Ali Dinar, was known for his connection to and support of the holy sites in Mecca.

Second: Location and Size
Darfur constitutes nearly one-third of Sudan’s total area, covering approximately 511,000 square kilometers—comparable in size to a major country like France. This makes it a region of immense strategic importance geographically and economically.

Third: Jebel Marra… The Heart of Natural Mystery
Jebel Marra is one of Darfur’s most remarkable natural landmarks, stretching about 165 kilometers in length and up to 80 kilometers in width. It features rare climatic diversity, where different seasons can exist simultaneously across its regions.
The mountain contains abundant water resources and fertile land, making it a potentially world-class tourism destination if properly developed.
Claims regarding rivers of mercury within the mountain or its connection to the sacred Mount Sinai remain unverified and fall within the realm of unproven historical speculation.

Fourth: Enormous Mineral Wealth
Darfur is considered one of the richest regions in natural resources, including:

– Significant copper reserves in what is known as “Hofrat al-Nahas.”
– Large quantities of gold, particularly in Jebel Amer.
– Strategic minerals such as uranium, iron, cobalt, and titanium.
– Potential deposits of diamonds, gemstones, and rare minerals.

However, many of the figures circulated regarding the scale of these resources require scientific verification and credible sourcing.

Fifth: Oil and Water… The Future of Conflict
There are theories suggesting the intersection of major oil basins in Darfur, but these remain unconfirmed.
As for water, the region lies within the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, one of the largest underground water reserves in the world, representing a critical strategic asset for the future.

Sixth: Livestock and Agriculture
Darfur possesses vast livestock wealth, with estimates suggesting that animal populations significantly exceed the human population, alongside strong agricultural potential due to its varied climate and soil.

Seventh: Between Fact and Exaggeration
While Darfur is undeniably rich in resources, numerous exaggerated or inaccurate narratives have circulated regarding its wealth and the scale of international involvement.
The reality is that the conflict in Darfur stems from multiple intertwined factors, including:

– Tribal disputes
– Competition over resources
– Internal and external political interventions
– Weak development and infrastructure

Eighth: Is There a Plan to Divide Sudan?
There are recurring discussions about potential plans to divide Sudan, particularly following the secession of South Sudan.
Although various studies and maps have explored such scenarios, linking all events in Darfur directly to a fixed international conspiracy remains a matter of debate rather than confirmed fact.

Conclusion
Darfur is not merely a conflict zone; it is a region of immense geopolitical and economic significance. Yet this wealth has become a burden due to instability, mismanagement, and prolonged conflict.

The central question remains:
Have Darfur’s resources become a curse instead of a blessing?
Or is the real issue the absence of a coherent political vision?

In all cases, Darfur will continue to stand as one of Africa’s most complex issues and a key to understanding the future of Sudan