Gum Arabic Trade: Funding the Conflict in Sudan

Gum arabic, sourced mainly from Sudan, is implicated in funding the ongoing civil war as it is increasingly trafficked from rebel-held areas. Despite its essential use in products by large corporations, few steps are being taken to avoid its sourcing amid logistical challenges and humanitarian concerns.

The global trade of gum arabic, a crucial ingredient in products like Coca-Cola and Nestlé pet food, is primarily centered in Sudan, leading to concerns that this trade may inadvertently fund the ongoing conflict in the region. Approximately 80% of the world’s gum arabic is sourced from Sudan, where the sap is increasingly trafficked from areas controlled by rebels. This situation complicates efforts by Western corporations to dissociate their supply chains from the conflict.

Historically, gum arabic has been used for thousands of years, with its first recorded use by ancient Egyptians around 2000 BC. The gum’s unique properties allow for wide applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Sudan stands as a significant supplier due to its vast acacia forests. However, political instability and civil conflict have consistently hindered the industry. Presently, ongoing fighting threatens to disrupt this essential export further.

In the 1990s, the U.S. government granted a special exemption for gum arabic trade with Sudan, despite sanctions against its former leader, Omar al-Bashir. Over time, as pressures mounted for trade liberalization, the rebel group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of the gum trade, exacerbating the conflict. Today, gum arabic is a vital revenue source for both warring factions in Sudan, with the RSF controlling trade routes and the national military imposing taxes on transactions.

Few Western companies are taking steps to eliminate Sudanese gum arabic from their products due to potential harm to local livelihoods. However, sourcing alternatives proves challenging as products enter the market without appropriate certification, often via neighboring countries. Industry experts indicate that all gum in Sudan is smuggled, highlighting the lack of enforcement within the country’s borders. Major companies like Nestlé and Coca-Cola have not commented on the situation, leaving the issue largely unaddressed in their supply chains.

The trade in gum arabic, predominantly sourced from Sudan, underscores the complex intersection between consumer products and global conflicts. As the ongoing civil war in Sudan continues to impact this industry, companies face moral and logistical challenges in sourcing responsibly. The situation reveals the intricate web of economic dependencies and the urgent need for ethical supply chain management. Addressing these issues requires thoughtful consideration of both the humanitarian impact on local populations and the ethical implications of consumption in Western markets.

Original Source: theweek.com