UN report says looted gold and gum arabic fund Sudan war

A United Nations report has verified that proceeds from looted gold and gum arabic are being used by warring parties in Sudan to fund the ongoing civil war, creating a self-perpetuating conflict economy that exposes global supply chains to serious human rights risks. The report, published by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on July 15, 2026, details how the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have increasingly relied on controlling territory, trade routes, and valuable commodities to finance military operations.

The report focuses on the gum arabic trade as a case study. Gum arabic, a natural substance harvested from acacia trees, is a vital ingredient in soft drinks, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Before the war erupted in April 2023, Sudan accounted for an estimated 70 to 80 percent of global crude gum arabic exports, providing a crucial income source for millions of Sudanese. The UN found that this wealth is now being used to undermine human rights and exacerbate the conflict, causing widespread suffering.

Since the fighting began, the gum arabic trade has been reshaped by Sudan's territorial division....