The European Union (EU) on Monday introduced new sanctions targeting Sudan’s gold trade and restricting access to chemicals used in gold mining.

The measures aim to cut off financial resources supporting the conflict and increase pressure on actors accused of fuelling the war, according to a statement from the European Council.

Under the decision, the EU banned the purchase, import and transfer of gold originating from Sudan, while also prohibiting the sale, supply, transfer, and export of mercury and cyanide to the country.

The restrictions also cover related services, including technical assistance, brokering activities, and financial support linked to the banned goods.

Humanitarian crisis

“Gold has become a key source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan,” the EU Council said, adding that limiting trade in Sudanese gold and access to mining chemicals would reduce resources available to those responsible for continuing the violence.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the military.

The war has triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, killing tens of thousands of people and displacing millions.