The Smuggled Resource Funding Sudan's Civil War

Overview

Sudan’s gum arabic—an essential natural resin used in food, beverages, cosmetics, and medicines—has become a suspected revenue stream for Sudan’s civil war. A video argues that although Sudan is the world’s largest producer (supplying about 80% of global supply), the conflict and disruption of legitimate exports have not stopped European companies from obtaining the material. Experts claim that smuggled gum arabic leaving Sudan through neighboring countries may be helping finance armed groups, likely including weapons purchases.

Key Points and Claims

Gum arabic is widely used globally

The resin (from Acacia senegal) is used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in many products, including:

• Coca-Cola and Pepsi
• M&M’s
• Chewing gum
• Mascara and hair care
• A binder in medicines

This creates strong, ongoing global demand.

Sudan’s gum arabic industry collapsed under war pressure

The war has reportedly caused:

• Mass displacement, with tens of millions needing humanitarian aid
• Very high death toll estimates
• Disruption to farming and processing
• Clearing of gum forests
• Farmers fleeing conflict zones, reducing supply

Armed groups are tied to resource extraction and trafficking

The video describes multiple pathways through which armed actors may profit from gum arabic:

• Looting and destruction: Armed groups, especially the RSF (Rapid Support Forces), are described as looting gum reserves and burning related infrastructure.
• Charcoal and tree cutting: Conflict-related displacement and dynamics are linked to increased cutting of gum trees for charcoal.
• Illegal taxation/levies: Traders transporting gum are described as facing illegal fees and “religious taxes” per truck, potentially funding fighters and weapons.
• Direct smuggling by the RSF: A report cited in the video claims the RSF smuggled large quantities to neighboring states (including Chad, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan) to fund operations.

Smuggling obscures origin (“conflict-free” relabeling)

Once gum leaves Sudan, smuggled resin is allegedly mixed with local supplies and relabeled as if it originated elsewhere (e.g., Chadian or Egyptian gum). This makes it harder to trace whether the material came from conflict areas.

Trade patterns support the smuggling claim

The video points to trade shifts such as:

• EU imports from Sudan fell
• Exports from nearby countries rose sharply

It also highlights:

• South Sudan’s exports increased despite previously low production (presented as evidence that Sudan-sourced resin was being redirected).
• A claim that in 2025, Chad overtook Sudan as the top U.S. source of gum arabic, based on reported export growth.

Why a boycott may not help Sudanese farmers

Experts cited argue there is no easy alternative supply at global scale. A boycott could reduce income for Sudan-based farmers while smugglers continue operating through opaque supply chains.

Due diligence by European companies is questioned

The video argues that buyers face difficulty verifying sourcing because Sudan’s supply chain is “complex, opaque, and layered.” It notes that some companies claim to conduct due diligence, including:

• Alland & Robert: says it avoids sourcing from conflict zones.
• Nexira: says the civil war led it to cut Sudan imports and expand sourcing to other countries.

However, the video’s experts suggest many companies may still be connected to gum that finances the war.

Farmers bear the brunt despite rising global prices

Even if global gum arabic prices increased during the war, Sudanese farmers often reportedly do not benefit, because profits historically flow more to traders and middlemen. The video argues the war worsens this imbalance by:

• reducing market access
• increasing exploitation through smuggling and levies

Presenters or Contributors

• Hassan Alturabi Mohammed (fourth-generation gum arabic farmer)
• Esther (named only as “Esther” in subtitles; described as an expert on gum supply/trade)
• Joris (named only as “Joris” in subtitles; described as an expert on gum supply/trade)
• Musa Kulub (gum trader; referenced as a former buyer)
• Business Insider (referenced via outreach; company statements reported)
• Reuters (referenced via outreach; company statements reported)