Brussels, Belgium (Running Africa) — The European Union (EU) has imposed a ban on the purchase, import and transfer of gold from Sudan, targeting a key source of revenue believed to be financing the country’s ongoing civil war.

The new sanctions are aimed at limiting the financial resources available to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose conflict has devastated the country since April 2023.

The war has displaced more than 14 million people, triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and left millions in urgent need of food, healthcare and protection.

Sudan’s Gold Trade Under Fresh Sanctions

Sudan is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with gold exports serving as a critical source of income for the country’s economy.

However, international investigators have long warned that profits from the gold trade have benefited both sides of the conflict, helping to sustain the violence.

In addition to restricting Sudanese gold imports, the EU has also banned exports of mercury and cyanide used in gold mining operations. Exemptions will remain for humanitarian assistance and public health purposes.

Illegal Gold Trade Fuels Conflict

According to United Nations experts, more than half of Sudan’s gold production is smuggled out of the country through illicit trade networks.

Much of the gold is believed to pass through neighboring countries before entering international markets, making enforcement of sanctions particularly challenging.

EU officials said the latest measures are intended to disrupt financial flows that enable armed groups to continue fighting and to increase pressure on those driving the conflict.

Experts Question Effectiveness Without Global Cooperation

Despite the sanctions, analysts caution that the measures may have only a limited impact unless major international gold trading hubs and regional transit countries strengthen efforts to combat the illicit trade in Sudanese gold.

They argue that broader international cooperation will be essential to prevent smuggled gold from reaching global markets and to reduce the economic lifeline sustaining Sudan’s war.

The latest sanctions underscore growing international efforts to weaken the financial networks fueling the conflict, as diplomatic initiatives to end the war continue to face significant obstacles.