UK sanctions Sudan’s RSF financiers over illicit gold trade

The United Kingdom (RSF) has imposed sanctions on individuals and companies accused of financing Sudan’s civil war through the illicit gold trade, a move that could increase scrutiny of gold transactions and cross-border trade across East Africa, including Kenya.

In a statement issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the UK announced sanctions against 11 individuals and entities suspected of supporting commercial, financial and procurement networks linked to Sudan’s warring factions, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

According to the UK government, Sudan’s gold industry has become the backbone of the country’s war economy, generating billions of dollars annually through illicit trade that is used to finance weapons purchases, military operations, and armed groups.

Among those sanctioned is Sudanese national Abu Dharr, whom British authorities describe as a key RSF financier allegedly involved in conflict gold trading, property investments and procurement operations through a network of companies based in Dubai.

The sanctions also target businesses operating in international gold markets, including Dubai and Hong Kong, which the UK says have been used to monetise Sudanese gold before it enters global supply chains.

Although Kenya is not directly targeted by the sanctions, the measures are likely to increase international oversight of gold movements across East Africa, where regional trade routes and financial centres play a critical role in facilitating cross-border commerce.

As one of the region’s leading transport, logistics, and financial hubs, Kenya could experience stricter due diligence requirements for businesses dealing in precious metals, with exporters, financial institutions, and traders expected to strengthen compliance with international anti-money laundering standards.

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The sanctions come after several media reports suggested that Kenya could be one of the routes used by the smugglers of gold to the region, which has been under militant and government-allied forces’ gunfire. 

The sanctions come as fighting in Sudan continues to intensify, with the UK warning that the strategic city of El Obeid faces the risk of mass atrocities amid reports of increased RSF troop deployments around the city.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said illicit gold and financial networks continue to sustain the conflict, adding that the UK intends to expose and disrupt those profiting from Sudan’s war economy while pushing for the expansion of the United Nations arms embargo to cover El Obeid.

The UK further announced that illicit gold will be a key agenda item during its Illicit Finance Summit scheduled for December 2026, where governments, private sector players and civil society organisations will discuss coordinated measures to combat conflict minerals and dirty money.

The sanctions reflect growing international efforts to choke off the financial lifelines sustaining Sudan’s conflict. 

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