The Council of the European Union has adopted new sanctions against Sudan targeting the country’s gold mining sector. The measure aims to cut off one of the main sources of revenue funding the ongoing armed conflict.
According to the official statement from the EU Council, a full ban on the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating from Sudan comes into force on 13 July 2026. In addition, the sale, supply, transfer, or export to Sudan of mercury and cyanide — chemicals widely used in gold extraction and processing — is prohibited.
“Gold has become a key source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan. These measures are designed to reduce the resources available to those continuing the violence,” the EU Council emphasised.
The civil war in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army has been raging for over three years and has caused one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our time. According to the UN, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, triggered massive displacement, and led to acute hunger in several regions.
Gold mining plays a critical role in the economy of the warring parties. A significant portion of Sudanese gold is smuggled out of the country, including through neighbouring states, and is used to purchase weapons and pay mercenaries.
The new sanctions also tighten controls on the resale of Sudanese gold within the EU via third countries. The initiative was put forward by the Netherlands and France.
EU representatives stressed that the measures are not aimed at the civilian population of Sudan, but are exclusively intended to disrupt the financial chains that fuel the war.