The European Union (EU) has imposed a ban on the purchase, import, and transfer of gold from Sudan, saying the trade has become a major source of funding for the country’s ongoing civil war.
The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing more than 14 million people.
Sudan is among Africa’s leading gold-producing nations, and its mineral wealth has become an important source of income for the warring factions, according to international observers.
In addition to the gold restrictions, EU foreign ministers also approved a ban on the export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan. The two chemicals are commonly used in gold mining activities.
Reports indicate that a significant portion of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country each year through illegal channels.
The RSF reportedly controls many of the gold mining areas in Darfur and Kordofan, while the Sudanese military oversees mining operations in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Much of the gold is believed to pass through neighbouring countries, including Egypt, Chad, and Libya, before reaching international trading centres such as Dubai.
According to the EU Council, the new sanctions are intended to reduce the financial resources available to those sustaining the conflict and increase pressure on parties responsible for the violence.
Under the new measures, individuals and businesses within the European Union are prohibited from purchasing, importing, or transporting gold originating from Sudan.
However, the restrictions do not apply to mercury and cyanide intended for humanitarian or public health purposes.
The latest sanctions expand the EU’s existing measures against individuals and organisations accused of contributing to the conflict.
Despite the move, analysts have cautioned that sanctions alone may not significantly reduce the illegal gold trade unless major international trading hubs and transit countries strengthen enforcement against smuggled Sudanese gold.
Meanwhile, humanitarian organisations estimate that more than 28 million people in Sudan are facing severe food shortages as the conflict continues.
