Full Breakdown
The Role of Gum Arabic in Financing the Sudanese Conflict
1/6/2026, 10:18:49 PM
Core Event: Smuggling and Funding the Rapid Support Forces
Since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have increasingly relied on the smuggling of gum arabic to finance their military efforts. Sudan was previously the world’s largest exporter of gum arabic, particularly the hashab variety, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of global supply. This resin, derived from the acacia senegal tree, is a crucial ingredient in various products, including soft drinks, ice cream, and cosmetics. Despite a significant drop in official exports due to the conflict, the international demand for gum arabic remains high, leading to a surge in smuggling activities.
The Smuggling Network and Its Implications
Research indicates that most gum arabic is now being smuggled out of Sudan, primarily to neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan. Traders evade government levies and the need for conflict-free certification by mixing Sudanese gum with local varieties and relabeling them. The RSF has also engaged in systematic looting of gum arabic, controlling trade routes and imposing taxes on traders. This has raised concerns about the ethical sourcing of gum arabic, as European companies, including major French and German firms, are implicated in purchasing this conflict-derived product.
Official Statements & Responses
Researchers from the Dutch peace organization PAX have highlighted the challenges of ensuring that imported gum arabic is conflict-free. Joris van de Sandt, a researcher, expressed skepticism about the traceability of the product, stating, “It’s very difficult to believe that companies in Europe can assure that it is conflict-free.” In response, some companies, like Nexira, have claimed to adapt their operations to avoid sourcing from conflict zones, while Alland & Robert asserts rigorous traceability standards.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the international community, particularly European companies, bears responsibility for indirectly supporting the RSF through their purchases. Esther Bijl, a co-author of the PAX report, noted that the profits from these transactions sustain the RSF's war efforts. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with millions displaced and facing dire living conditions.
Humanitarian Impact and Displacement
The war has led to significant displacement, with nearly 13 million people forced to flee their homes since April 2023. The United Nations reported that over 64,890 individuals were displaced in Kordofan alone between October and December 2025. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with reports of mass atrocities and severe food shortages affecting millions. In Kosti, a city receiving displaced individuals, many families are living in overcrowded camps with inadequate shelter and resources.
What's Next: Continued Conflict and Humanitarian Needs
As the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue to clash, the conflict's impact on the gum arabic trade and the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan remains critical. The international community faces pressure to address the ethical implications of sourcing gum arabic while providing urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing violence. The situation underscores the complex interplay between natural resources and conflict, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address both the humanitarian and economic dimensions of the crisis.
