The Impact of Conflict on Gum Arabic Trade and Smuggling Activities in Sudan

Sudan’s ongoing conflict has disrupted the gum arabic trade, with the RSF controlling key harvesting regions. This has led to smuggling operations that bypass certification processes, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the supply. As neighboring countries begin offering cheaper, uncertified gum, the integrity of the global trade in gum arabic is under threat, highlighting significant ethical challenges for companies in the industry.

The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has significantly impacted the gum arabic trade, particularly in the Kordofan and Darfur regions. The RSF has seized control of vital gum-harvesting areas, leading to a system where raw gum is traded without proper certification, as producers and buyers reveal. Informal border markets are now critical channels for smuggling without the oversight of legitimate authorities.

Despite the RSF’s claim of protecting the gum arabic trade while collecting small fees, the lack of adherence to proper regulations has sparked concerns among industry insiders. They believe the emerging illegal trade poses dangers to legitimate procurement systems used by global ingredients makers, who depend on verified supply chains. As a result of the conflict, the established practices for sourcing gum have deteriorated, pushing traders to seek cheaper, uncertified alternatives from neighboring countries.

The global supply chain for gum arabic has been compromised, with many traders now unable or unwilling to disclose whether their products stem from smuggling operations. A marketing specialist highlighted that currently, all gum sourced from Sudan is likely smuggled due to pervasive lawlessness. Despite claims from industry organizations regarding the lack of evidence linking the gum supply to conflict, sources indicate that the situation remains highly problematic.

Various traders from Sudan have turned to suppliers in Chad and Senegal, offering lower prices for gum without necessary certifications. These traders risk being involved in illegal activities, as potential buyers face the dilemma of purchasing products potentially tied to dubious networks. As tensions between RSF and government forces escalate, gum traders increasingly find themselves trapped in a precarious landscape shaped by conflict.

The flow of gum arabic has shifted dramatically since the civil war’s onset, with products now emerging in informal markets along the Sudan-South Sudan border. The RSF has established a fee-collecting system for traders as they navigate this illicit trade. Reports indicate that large quantities are now leaving Sudan, crossing into neighboring countries under the aegis of the RSF, thereby expanding the channels through which illicitly sourced gum is sold.

The civil unrest in Sudan has drastically transformed the gum arabic trade, with the RSF controlling significant areas and facilitating smuggling operations. This shift has resulted in a lack of certification and elevated risks for global firms relying on ethical sourcing. As illicit trade routes expand, industry participants remain concerned about the future of gum arabic procurement and its implications for ethical supply chains.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com