The Wall Street Journal published on 23 May 2024 an article titled "How Soda, Chocolate and Chewing Gum Are Funding War in Sudan" by Alexandra Wexler and Nicholas Bariyo.
About 80 percent of the world's gum Arabic, an ingredient in chocolate, chewing gum, and soda, comes from acacia trees in Sudan. It is being used by both the Sudan Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to help fund the war in Sudan. In 2022, Sudan exported gum Arabic valued at about $183 million. During the current harvest season, production has declined but the price has risen.
Comment: While there are sound reasons to sanction the export of gum Arabic from Sudan, its financial impact is modest compared to the export of gold or financial donations to one side or the other from certain states.
