UK Imposes Sanctions on Illicit Gold Networks Driving Sudan’s Conflict Amid El Obeid Crisis

The United Kingdom has announced a comprehensive sanctions package aimed at disrupting the illicit gold trade and financial networks that are perpetuating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, which has significantly escalated in recent months.

Targeting Sudan’s War Economy

Sudan’s gold industry plays a pivotal role in sustaining its war economy. Official gold exports were valued at approximately $1.5 billion in 2024 and 2025; however, estimates suggest that the actual worth of the sector could be several times greater. A significant amount of gold is smuggled out of Sudan annually via illicit channels, which facilitates the procurement of weapons and supports military operations as well as armed groups.

The sanctions specifically target eleven individuals and entities suspected of involvement in the financing and procurement networks that support both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). All of these individuals are Sudanese nationals engaged in international trade, particularly in gold markets located in Dubai and Hong Kong.

Central to the sanctions is Abu Dharr, a Sudanese national believed to be a key financier and procurement facilitator for the RSF. His activities reportedly extend beyond Sudan’s borders, involving a complex network of real estate and holding companies based in Dubai, which aid in funding RSF operations.

Exposing Illicit Financial Networks

The measures imposed by the UK aim to expose and disrupt the commercial networks that convert Sudan’s gold wealth into revenue, sustaining the ongoing conflict. By targeting these companies and facilitators, the UK is taking a significant step towards undermining the financial foundations of the war economy.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “The people of Sudan continue to pay the price for a war fuelled not only by guns and fighters but by illicit flows of gold and finance to fill the war chests on both sides. These sanctions are targeting Sudan’s war economy and will shine a light on those who seek to profit from these illegal shadow networks.”

She further expressed concern regarding the escalating situation in El Obeid, where the RSF is reportedly amassing forces amidst a dire humanitarian crisis. The UK government has called for an extension of the United Nations arms embargo to include El Obeid, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further atrocities.

International Response to Humanitarian Crisis

The UK and its international partners are closely monitoring the deteriorating conditions in El Obeid, which is at risk of becoming another site of mass atrocity, following the tragic events in El Fasher. The Foreign Secretary has emphasised the need for accountability for those enabling violence, stating that both battlefield actors and those operating from behind the scenes will be held responsible.

In December 2026, illicit gold trade will be a primary focus at the UK’s Illicit Finance Summit in London, where governments, civil society, and private sector representatives will convene to develop a global coalition aimed at combating illicit financial flows, including the trade in illegal gold.

Details of Sanctioned Entities

Among the sanctioned individuals and entities are:

• Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed – Suspected RSF financier and procurement facilitator.
• Prodigious Real Estate Management Supervision Services – A Sudanese UAE-based company linked to RSF financing activities.
• Mazin Fadlalla – Procurement operative associated with the RSF.
• Ahmed Hashim – Another procurement operative linked to the RSF.
• Natwest Logistics – A company suspected of facilitating RSF procurement and logistics.
• Aoun Commercial Brokers – A company involved in procurement and financial transactions for the RSF.
• Ahmad Abdalla – Linked to the SAF and suspected of securing weapons and funding.
• Portex Trade Limited – A Hong Kong-based company accused of supporting SAF procurement efforts.
• Omdurman Mining – A state-owned enterprise believed to generate gold revenues for the SAF.
• Ariab Mining Company – Another state-owned entity suspected of engaging in illicit gold activities.
• Sudamin Company Ltd – Suspected of channeling revenue from conflict gold to both the SAF and RSF.

The UK’s decisive actions underscore a commitment to addressing the complexities of Sudan’s war economy while advocating for a humanitarian response to the ongoing crisis.