The European Union has imposed restrictions on Sudan’s gold trade and mining supply chain in an effort to weaken financial channels believed to be sustaining the country’s ongoing armed conflict.
Under the new measures announced by the European Council, the EU has banned the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold, as well as the sale, supply, transfer and export of mercury and cyanide to the country.
The restrictions are aimed at limiting access to revenues generated from gold, which has emerged as one of the key sources of funding for the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Gold production and trade have played a significant role in Sudan’s economy, with competing armed groups accused of using proceeds from the sector to finance military operations since fighting erupted in 2023.
The European Council said the measures include specific exemptions for activities linked to humanitarian assistance, public health emergencies and disaster response to ensure that essential support reaches affected populations.
The move comes amid a deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where the conflict has resulted in widespread deaths, mass displacement and severe disruption to livelihoods.
The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people forced from their homes and in urgent need of assistance.
The EU said the restrictions form part of broader efforts to reduce the resources available to actors fuelling the conflict and encourage conditions for peace and stability in the country.
The latest action places further international pressure on Sudan’s gold sector, which has become a focus of global concern due to allegations of illicit trading and its links to armed groups.
