European Union Bans Sudanese Gold to Curb Civil War Funding

The European Union banned the purchase, import, and transfer of gold originating in Sudan on July 13, 2026. To further disable gold extraction, the bloc also prohibited the export of mercury and cyanide to the country. These measures target the financial networks of the Sudanese Armed Forces, which controls production in the north and east, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which operates fields in Darfur and Kordofan.

The EU Council stated that gold has become a primary revenue source sustaining the conflict that began in April 2023. The sanctions aim to reduce resources available to those perpetuating violence during a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 14 million people and left 28 million facing acute hunger. Exemptions remain for disaster response, public health emergencies, and humanitarian purposes.

Despite the ban, UN experts and reports indicate that 50% to 70% of Sudan's gold is smuggled through Egypt, Chad, and Libya. Approximately 90% of exports reportedly flow through the United Arab Emirates, where gold is refined to erase its origin before being sold to international markets, including Switzerland. This network is alleged to support the Rapid Support Forces. Simultaneously, violence has escalated in El-Obeid, where the city endured 27 drone strikes in June, leading to warnings of a human rights catastrophe.