UK Unveils Sanctions Against Sudan Gold Networks

The UK has announced sanctions targeting key players in Sudan's gold trade, accused of fueling the country's devastating civil war, which has killed 200,000 people and displaced over 11 million.

Britain's foreign ministry said the sanctions are aimed at 11 individuals and businesses suspected of being linked to the networks financing and supporting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the regular army.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the people of Sudan continue to pay the price for a war fuelled not only by guns and fighters, but by illicit flows of gold and finance to fill the war chests on both sides.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, is one of Africa's deadliest conflicts.

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the sanctions target individuals and businesses involved in the conflict's financing.

Abu Dharr, a Sudanese national, is accused of financing the RSF through a web of real estate, conflict gold, and holding companies based in Dubai.

Three Sudanese United Arab Emirates-based companies and one Sudanese Hong Kong-based firm are also targeted.

Two Sudanese state-owned mining companies were sanctioned, suspected of generating gold revenues for the SAF.

A third state-owned firm, the Ariab Mining Company, was targeted for channelling revenue from conflict gold to both the SAF and RSF.

The United Nations has reported that the rival factions were profiting from control over the country's resources and that a war economy is sustaining the conflict.

The UK has previously sanctioned senior commanders of the RSF, who have also been targeted by the European Union.

The RSF has been accused of being a proxy for the UAE, which denies arming the paramilitary despite evidence presented in numerous international reports.

The European Council has also announced plans to boost sanctions on Sudan.

The sanctions aim to curb sources of financing for the conflict.

### Key Facts:

  • 200,000 people killed in the conflict
  • Over 11 million displaced
  • 70 tonnes of gold produced in Sudan in 2025, a five-year high
  • 11 individuals and businesses targeted by sanctions
  • 2 Sudanese state-owned mining companies sanctioned
  • 1 Sudanese Hong Kong-based firm targeted
  • 3 Sudanese United Arab Emirates-based companies targeted
  • Ariab Mining Company targeted for channelling revenue from conflict gold

The people of Sudan continue to pay the price for a war fuelled not only by guns and fighters, but by illicit flows of gold and finance to fill the war chests on both sides.

The UK's move comes as international pressure increases on Sudan's warring parties to resolve the conflict.

Sudan's gold trade, worth billions of dollars, has been accused of fueling the conflict.

The UK has called on the international community to support efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

The US has also imposed sanctions on Sudanese individuals and entities accused of supporting the conflict.

The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with reports of widespread human rights abuses and suffering.

The international community is urging the Sudanese government to take concrete steps to resolve the conflict.

The UK's sanctions are the latest in a series of international efforts to address the conflict in Sudan.

The situation in Sudan remains complex and fragile, with continued fighting and humanitarian suffering.

The international community will continue to monitor the situation and provide support for efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

### Context:

The conflict in Sudan has been fuelled by a complex mix of economic, political, and social factors.

The gold trade has been a significant contributor to the conflict, with reports of smuggling and illicit flows of gold.

The UK's sanctions aim to target those involved in the conflict's financing, including the gold trade.

The international community has expressed concern over the humanitarian suffering in Sudan, with reports of widespread displacement and human rights abuses.

The UK's move is seen as a key step in addressing the conflict, but much work remains to be done.

The international community will continue to provide support for efforts to bring peace to Sudan.

### Breaking News:

Set to false as the sanctions do not fit the breaking news criteria of recent and high impact.