EU bans Sudanese gold imports to curb war financing

The Council of the European Union adopted a decision that bans the purchase, import and transfer of gold originating from Sudan. The measure also prohibits the export of mercury and cyanide – chemicals used in gold mining – and related technical and financial services. The ban is intended to cut a major source of revenue that fuels the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 14 million.

Sudan is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, and investigators estimate that over half of its gold output is smuggled through neighboring countries to Dubai. By restricting trade in Sudanese gold and limiting access to mining chemicals, the EU aims to reduce the resources available to the warring parties. Humanitarian exemptions apply for mercury and cyanide used in emergency contexts. Experts warn that the sanctions may be largely symbolic unless broader enforcement is applied at regional transit points and global gold markets.