EU bans gold imports from Sudan to curb money financing conflict
The European Union has implemented a ban on the import and trade of Sudanese gold to restrict funding for the ongoing civil war. The measures also include prohibiting the export of mining chemicals like mercury and cyanide to Sudan to further disrupt the revenue streams of warring factions.
Why it matters
This action highlights the role of natural resource exploitation in fueling humanitarian crises and demonstrates the use of economic sanctions to influence geopolitical conflicts.
South Sudanese displaced by conflict in Sudan are seen at the reception centre in Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)
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 regular 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.
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