The European Union has imposed a ban on Sudanese gold and restricted the export of key mining chemicals to the country as part of new measures targeting Sudan’s war economy.
The EU Council said on Monday that the additional sectoral sanctions were intended to reduce sources of funding for the conflict and increase pressure on parties contributing to the continuation of the war.
Under the decision, EU individuals and companies are prohibited from purchasing, importing or transporting gold originating in Sudan.
The measures also ban the sale, supply, transfer or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan. Both chemicals are widely used in gold mining and extraction.
Related services, including technical assistance, brokerage and financial support, are also prohibited.
Gold has become a major source of revenue for Sudanese armed groups and other actors involved in the conflict. By restricting trade in Sudanese gold and limiting access to chemicals used in its extraction, the EU said it aimed to reduce the financial resources available to those responsible for prolonging the violence.
The decision includes limited exemptions for mercury and cyanide intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies or disaster-response operations.
The measures form part of the EU’s broader response to Sudan’s war, which has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and led to widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
