Gum arabic, a critical ingredient from Sudan, is reportedly financing both sides of the civil war due to its complex supply chain issues. The vast majority of gum arabic is sourced from areas now controlled by rebels, complicating Western companies’ disengagement efforts. Despite the ethical concerns, reducing dependency on this ingredient poses risks to local livelihoods as the conflict continues.
Gum arabic, a key ingredient sourced from acacia tree sap, is widely used in products across various sectors, including Coca-Cola and Nestlé pet food. Approximately 80% of the world’s gum arabic is produced in Sudan, where its collection has become increasingly complicated due to ongoing conflict between government forces and paramilitary rebels. Industry sources indicate that rebel-controlled areas are now major suppliers of this essential ingredient, thus complicating Western companies’ efforts to sever ties with the affected regions.
Historically, gum arabic has been utilized by humans since around 2000 BC, employed in various applications from food to paint. Today, its solubility and unique properties make it crucial in industries such as healthcare, cosmetics, and food. However, Sudan’s gum arabic market has faced severe disruptions due to decades of political turmoil and civil unrest, which have severely impacted export capabilities and supply.
In the 1990s, the U.S. sanctioned Sudan under allegations of terrorism, yet an exemption for gum arabic was established to facilitate trade. As civil tensions escalated, gum arabic became a bargaining tool that Sudan used to negotiate with Western nations. The ongoing civil war since April 2023 has seen the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) gain significant control over gum production and trade routes, turning the sap into a vital funding resource for both the RSF and the Sudanese military.
Reports indicate that both groups are financially benefitting from the gum trade, with the RSF collecting revenue from agricultural routes and the Sudanese military taxing the trade. Despite awareness of these issues, few Western companies are taking initiatives to avoid sourcing from Sudan, as this could harm local livelihoods amid a looming famine. Moreover, the movement of gum arabic from Sudan to neighboring nations lacks proper certification, complicating the traceability necessary for conflict-free claims.
Experts suggest that all current gum exported from Sudan is likely smuggled, exacerbated by the absence of regulatory oversight in the country. Major companies, including Nestlé and Coca-Cola, have refrained from commenting on the situation, while others like L’Oréal and Mars have not responded to inquiries.
The trade of gum arabic in Sudan is inextricably linked to the ongoing civil war, where it serves as a financial backbone for both the government and rebel factions. With the majority of global production stemming from this conflict-affected area, companies face ethical dilemmas in sourcing while local communities depend on the industry for their livelihoods. The challenge lies in balancing ethical sourcing against the harsh realities of a war-torn economy.
Original Source: theweek.com
