Gum Arabic Trade: A Potential Source of Funding for Sudan’s Civil Conflict

Gum arabic, an ingredient in many consumer products, is largely sourced from Sudan, where its trade may be funding the civil conflict between the military and rebel forces. Since the outbreak of war in April 2023, the trade of gum arabic has become a financial lifeline for both sides, complicating ethical sourcing for Western companies. Companies must navigate the challenges of avoiding support for conflict while considering the livelihoods of Sudanese people dependent on this trade.

The trade of gum arabic, a vital ingredient used in numerous consumer products, including Coca-Cola, may be inadvertently sustaining the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan. Approximately 80% of the world’s gum arabic is sourced from Sudan, where its production occurs amidst a backdrop of violence involving government forces and paramilitary groups. This situation complicates the efforts of Western companies to disengage from supply chains entangled in conflict and human suffering.

Historically, gum arabic has been used by humans for thousands of years, initially recorded as far back as 2000 BC by the ancient Egyptians. Today, its properties make it indispensable across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Despite being a significant global supplier, Sudan has been plagued by political unrest and economic crises, severely impacting its gum arabic exports amid recent escalations of conflict.

U.S. sanctions against Sudan during the 1990s resulted in a special exemption for gum arabic, reflecting its importance. High-profile incidents, such as Sudan’s ambassador to the U.S. showcasing a Coca-Cola bottle, underscored gum arabic’s leverage in international trade negotiations. Since the outbreak of the current civil war in April 2023, rebel groups have gained control over gum production areas, using the trade to finance their operations.

The profits from gum exports now directly support both the Sudanese military and rival armed groups, exacerbating the conflict. While some companies grapple with ethical dilemmas regarding their reliance on Sudanese gum arabic, logistical challenges hinder their ability to source alternative supplies that can guarantee conflict-free status. Emerging markets are offering cheaper options, often lacking proper certification, indicating a shift in trade dynamics.

The complexities of sourcing gum arabic necessitate careful consideration and action from consumer companies to avoid complicity in the conflict. This situation poses a harsh dilemma, balancing the avoidance of funding warring factions against the livelihood of many Sudanese dependent on this trade. Companies such as Nestlé and Coca-Cola have refrained from commenting, indicating a reluctance to address the issue publicly.

In conclusion, the trade of gum arabic, primarily sourced from Sudan, presents significant ethical and logistical challenges for Western consumer companies. This ingredient, essential in various products, is now entangled in the conflict financing both government and rebel forces. Companies face the difficult task of navigating their supply chains to avoid indirectly supporting violence while acknowledging the critical nature of this trade to many Sudanese livelihoods. The situation necessitates urgent attention and responsible sourcing practices to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing civil war.

Original Source: theweek.com