The European Union has announced new sanctions targeting Sudan’s gold trade, accusing revenues from the sector of helping finance the country’s ongoing military conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The European Council said the measures introduce a ban on the purchase, import and transfer of gold originating from Sudan. The EU also prohibited the sale, supply, transfer and export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, two chemicals commonly used in gold extraction activities.

The sanctions are part of broader efforts by Brussels to limit financial networks supporting armed groups involved in the conflict, which has entered its third year and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Sudan’s gold sector has become a critical source of revenue since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.

Before the war, Sudan was one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with the precious metal representing a major source of foreign currency for the country. However, control over gold mines and trading networks has become a strategic objective for rival armed factions seeking to finance military operations.

The EU said the restrictions aim to prevent proceeds from Sudanese gold exports from supporting activities that contribute to the continuation of the conflict.

The war has devastated Sudan’s economy, displaced millions of people and created severe shortages of food, healthcare and essential services. International organizations have described the humanitarian situation as one of the most critical emergencies in the world.

Analysts say the sanctions highlight the growing role of natural resources in modern conflicts, where commodities such as gold can become strategic assets used to sustain armed groups.

The European Union said it will continue monitoring developments in Sudan and maintain pressure on actors contributing to instability, while supporting efforts toward a political resolution of the crisis.