Sudan war economy fuels conflict
Analysis based on 15 articles · First reported Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026
The report highlights risks to global supply chains for gum arabic, a key ingredient in soft drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Companies sourcing from Sudan may face reputational and legal risks if they fail to conduct conflict-sensitive due diligence.
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) released a report on July 15, 2026, detailing how Sudan's warring parties—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—are exploiting the country's resources, particularly gum arabic, to finance their ongoing conflict. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed an estimated 200,000 people and displaced over 11 million. The report highlights that the gum arabic trade, of which Sudan supplied 70-80% globally before the war, has been disrupted by looting, extortion, and smuggling. In May 2025, the RSF reportedly looted the Gum Arabic Exchange in El-Nuhud, Sudan — West Kordofan. Gum arabic from SAF-controlled areas is exported via Sudan — Port Sudan, while RSF-controlled areas use cross-border smuggling routes. UN rights chief Volker Türk urged states and companies to strengthen due diligence and traceability to avoid fueling the conflict.
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