EU Imposes Gold Import Ban on Sudan to Cut War Financing
By Wycliffe Muia | 1 hour ago
The European Union (EU) has banned the purchase, import and transfer of gold from Sudan, saying the trade has become a key source of financing for the country's civil war that erupted in April 2023.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, forcing more than 14 million people from their homes.
Sudan is one of Africa's largest gold producers and its vast reserves have become a crucial source of revenue for both sides, according to rights groups.
EU foreign ministers approved the measures alongside a ban on exports to Sudan of mercury and cyanide, chemicals widely used in gold mining.
UN experts estimate that more than half of Sudan's gold is smuggled out each year, often trafficked through neighboring countries to Dubai, a major global hub for gold refining and trade.
“Gold has become a key source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan,” the EU Council said, adding that the ban and other restrictions were designed to “reduce the resources” available to those responsible for perpetuating the violence.
Under the restrictive measures, EU individuals and companies are prohibited from purchasing, importing or transporting gold originating in Sudan. Mercury and cyanide needed for humanitarian and public‑health purposes are not subject to the EU's export ban.
The latest restrictions expand a broader EU sanctions regime that has already targeted individuals and entities accused of fueling the conflict. Experts warn that sanctions alone are unlikely to halt the trade unless major international gold trading hubs and regional transit routes also tighten enforcement against illicit Sudanese gold.
International pressure has been increasing on the backers of this conflict, as aid agencies estimate that more than 28 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger.
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