UK and EU Sanction Sudan Gold Networks to Curb War

The United Kingdom and the European Union have launched coordinated efforts to dismantle the war economy sustaining Sudan's civil war. On July 16, 2026, the Government of the United Kingdom sanctioned 11 individuals and entities involved in illicit gold and finance networks. These targets include Sudanese national Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed, a suspected financier for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the state-owned Ariab Mining Company, which allegedly channeled funds to both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated these measures target shadow networks in hubs like Dubai and Hong Kong that facilitate weapons procurement. Simultaneously, the UK called on the United Nations to extend its arms embargo to El Obeid, warning that an RSF military build-up in the city threatens a repeat of mass atrocities seen in Al Fashir.

Complementing these efforts, the Council of the European Union banned the purchase, import, and transfer of Sudanese gold on July 13, 2026. The EU also prohibited the export of gold-mining chemicals, such as cyanide and mercury. These actions target the primary revenue streams of the belligerents, who reportedly earned a combined $2.6 billion from gold in 2024. However, the effectiveness of the EU ban may be limited as the United Arab Emirates purchased over 99% of Sudan's official exports in 2023.