Umm Dafuq, September 25 (Darfur24)
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have imposed a ban on the export of Gum Arabic from areas under their control to neighboring African countries, while placing strict new controls at border crossings, informed sources told Darfur24.
According to the sources, RSF deputy commander Lieutenant General Abdel Rahim Dagalo issued direct orders to forces along the border strip to block any shipments of Gum Arabic from leaving Sudan for Chad, South Sudan, or the Central African Republic.
The ban is allegedly part of a new RSF policy aimed at monopolizing Gum Arabic trade, a strategic economic resource for Sudan.
Additionally, the sources said the RSF recently purchased more than 70 trucks loaded with Gum Arabic that were headed from Kordofan and Darfur to Chad, buying the stock directly from local traders.
They added that more restrictions have been enforced at crossings into South Sudan and the Central African Republic, while some gum arabic shipments have reportedly been flown out from Nyala Airport to unspecified destinations.
A trader interviewed by Darfur24 confirmed his trucks were stopped in El Geneina and prevented from crossing the border. He said RSF forces purchased the cargo on the spot and paid him in cash.