Sudan’s gum arabic, a crucial ingredient for Coca-Cola, is being smuggled amid conflicts involving the RSF. The RSF’s control over harvesting regions has led to unregulated exports and reduced pricing from neighboring countries. The lack of certification raises ethical concerns, jeopardizing the legitimacy of the gum supply chain for global manufacturers.
Coca-Cola relies heavily on gum arabic, a key ingredient sourced primarily from Sudan. Due to the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), control over gum harvesting has fallen to the RSF, who have established a system of fees and informal border markets to export this raw material. Traders have reported that gum arabic is being smuggled out of Sudan with little to no certification or documentation to validate its origin.
In recent months, neighboring countries, such as Chad, Senegal, Egypt, and South Sudan, which historically had low production of gum, have begun to supply it aggressively at reduced prices, devoid of conflict-free verification. Sudan remains the world’s largest exporter of gum arabic due to its expansive acacia tree groves, particularly in the gum belt region. However, many traders are reluctant to reveal the origins of their products, leading some to claim that all gum exported from Sudan is likely smuggled, especially since RSF controls the production areas.
An industry lobby group, Association for International Promotion of Gums (AIPG), claims there’s no evidence connecting the gum supply chain to conflict parties. Conversely, several industry insiders warn that the current smuggling risks contaminating the supply chains of global ingredient manufacturers. Companies such as Ingredion and Nexira have started to diversify their sourcing to mitigate potential ethical issues arising from the conflict.
Traders have relayed experiences of being approached by informal traders selling gum arabic at significantly lower prices, raising fears of its illegitimate origin. Reports indicate gum is now being sold in informal markets on the South Sudan border, facilitated by RSF protection for a fee. Additionally, gum arabic is reportedly being exported through East African routes, increasing concerns over the integrity of the supply chains at an international level.
The operational landscape has shifted significantly since the onset of the civil war, with producers based in Sudan now unable to freely export their goods. The RSF’s control and subsequent taxation on trade are reshaping how gum arabic reaches global markets. Notably, there have been reports of gum being sold online, which raises questions about the legality and ethics of such transactions in light of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Despite the complex situation, some traders like Mohammed Hussein Sorge continue to navigate these challenges, refusing to compromise on the legitimacy of their products. Allegations suggest that RSF-affiliated networks are deeply involved in the smuggling operations, further complicating the supply dynamics. As the situation evolves, the gum arabic supply chain remains vulnerable, with significant implications for food manufacturers and global trade.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has transformed the gum arabic trade, as the RSF now controls key harvesting areas, leading to smuggling and exploitation of the market. Production and export protocols have deteriorated, presenting risks for global ingredient suppliers who seek ethically sourced materials. Without proper certification or accountability, the integrity of the gum arabic supply chain and its impact on consumer goods companies remains a key concern amid the turmoil.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
