The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have taken control of Sudan’s gum arabic trade amid ongoing conflict, leading to illegal exports without proper certification. Countries like Chad and Senegal are selling at lower prices, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the trade. Major ingredient companies are diversifying their sources to mitigate risks associated with the conflict, but ethical sourcing remains an issue as illicit product sales proliferate online.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to significant control of the gum arabic trade by the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Following the outbreak of hostilities in April 2023, the RSF seized key gum-harvesting regions in Kordofan and Darfur. As a result, gum produced in these areas is being marketed exclusively through Sudanese traders, who are required to pay fees to the RSF. This has resulted in the illegal trade of gum arabic, which is being exported informally to neighboring countries without proper certification.
The RSF has been accused of misappropriating the gum arabic trade, enforcing fees while claiming to protect the industry. Conversations with traders indicate that countries such as Chad, Senegal, Egypt, and South Sudan have begun selling the commodity at lower prices, often lacking proof of its legality. Sudan has historically been the largest exporter of gum arabic, but the current circumstances have muddied the supply chain significantly.
According to Herve Canevet, a Global Marketing Specialist, the origins of gum supplies have become ambiguous, with smuggling now being widespread due to the absence of legitimate authorities in Sudan. Though the Association for International Promotion of Gums has stated that they find no direct links to conflict in the gum supply chain, concerns persist regarding the involvement of global ingredient suppliers who may inadvertently support this illicit trade.
Leading companies, including Ingredion and Nexira, have confirmed efforts to ensure that their sourcing remains ethical and legitimate amid the ongoing conflict. They have expanded their sourcing into other countries to mitigate potential risks linked to their Sudanese suppliers. However, some buyers have reported being approached by traders offering unusually low prices for gum, raising alarms about its origin and legality.
Sorge, a former gum trader, revealed attempts by traders from Senegal and Chad to sell him gum arabic, despite the absence of necessary certifications that guarantee ethical standards. Fearing that the lower prices indicated possible theft or illegitimacy, he declined to make a purchase, emphasizing the RSF’s control over all production.
With the war escalating, the traditional transportation routes for gum arabic have changed drastically. Instead of being shipped from Port Sudan, gum now reaches traders in South Sudan and Chad through informal markets, often under RSF protection. With the RSF’s interests spanning gold, agriculture, and banking, they have adopted a diversified approach to sustain their power through control of valuable resources.
Reports indicate that illicit gum products have even appeared for sale online, showcasing the wider implications of the conflict on the gum arabic trade. Siddig, a Sudanese processor, shared his experiences of having his gum stored in warehouses raided as he sought refuge. Despite his absence, products from his brand have surfaced online, indicating the troubling market dynamics in the wake of the ongoing conflict.
The conflict in Sudan has led to the paramilitary RSF taking control of the gum arabic trade, hindering the legitimacy of the supply chain. The lack of proper certification for exported gum raises ethical concerns among international ingredient suppliers. While some companies are diversifying their sources, the ongoing conflict still creates challenges, highlighting the need for greater transparency and regulation in this essential commodity market. More efforts are necessary to ensure that the sourcing of gum arabic remains ethical and responsible.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
