Britain has announced a new set of sanctions against individuals and entities accused of using illicit gold and financial networks to bankroll Sudan’s tragic civil war, a major escalation of attempts to cut off finances to the warring sides. “Today’s measures – announced by the UK Foreign Office on 16 July 2026 – target key individuals and companies involved in the gold trade and financial facilitation that have been instrumental in sustaining the conflict.
The sanctions list various individuals and businesses tied to both sides of the conflict, particularly those making profits from the country's valuable gold sector. The UK government said the measure was part of a bigger effort to undermine the conflict economy in Sudan where gold has become a vital source of funding for armed groups and their patrons.
Gold as a Cause of Conflict
Sudan is one of Africa's greatest gold producers and much of it is mined in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups. The trade has been a major source of income for the conflict that has ravaged the country since April 2023. The UK’s sanctions are aimed at cutting off people involved in the illegal gold trade from international markets and financial institutions.
“The UK will not stand by while the people of Sudan endure this brutal war,” Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement. “The sanctions send a clear message to those who are profiting from this conflict: We will hold you to account.” The UK has been a vigorous supporter for peace in Sudan and has provided major humanitarian aid to those impacted by the war.
Targeting Financial Network
The penalties are also aimed at financial facilitators who have helped transport money and resources to the warring groups, along with gold traders. This comprises persons and businesses involved in money laundering, currency exchange and transfer of monies through informal networks, known as hawala systems. The UK stated the networks are crucial to continuing the military effort and need to be destroyed.
The designations impose a freeze on any assets in the UK and a ban on dealing with those listed by UK persons and companies. The UK has also urged its international partners to follow suit, stressing that the situation in Sudan represents a severe threat to regional stability.
Increasing Global Pressure
The new UK penalties came after the United States and the European Union also placed sanctions on persons and businesses involved to the Sudan war. The joint operation highlights growing worldwide alarm about the humanitarian tragedy in Sudan, where tens of thousands have been dead and millions displaced.
Rights groups hailed the measure but asked for more to be done, including further penalties on more people and entities involved in the war. They have also called on the UK and its partners to do more to tackle the core causes of the crisis, particularly the lack of accountability and the flow of weapons into the country.
The UK government said it would continue to monitor the situation and be ready to apply further measures if necessary. “We will not shy away from taking further action against those who are fueling this conflict,” Lammy stated.
