Brussels, July 14 (Darfur24)
The European Union has expanded its sanctions on Sudan by introducing new measures targeting the war economy, including a ban on Sudanese gold imports and restrictions on exports of mercury and cyanide used in gold mining.
In a statement on Monday, the Council of the European Union announced that the measures prohibit the purchase, import, or transfer of gold originating from Sudan.
The decision also bans the sale, supply, transfer or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, as well as related services such as technical assistance, brokerage and financial support.
The council said mercury and cyanide are widely used in gold extraction and that gold has become a major source of revenue sustaining the conflict in Sudan.
It said the new restrictions are intended to reduce the financial resources available to parties fueling the war by limiting both the gold trade and access to chemicals used in gold production.
The sanctions include exemptions for mercury and cyanide intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies, or disaster response.
The EU said the measures form part of its response to the conflict that erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, and the resulting humanitarian crisis and widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
The bloc adopted its legal sanctions framework on Sudan in October 2023 to target individuals and entities undermining stability and the country’s political transition.
Since then, the EU has imposed sanctions on 18 individuals and eight entities.
The council said it remains committed to using diplomatic and restrictive measures, including additional sanctions targeting Sudan’s war economy, to help bring the conflict to an end.