On Thursday, July 16 2026, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 11 individuals and entities accused of supporting Sudan’s warring factions through conflict-related gold trading, procurement networks and financial activities.
The British Foreign Office said Sudan’s gold sector has become a major source of funding for the country’s war economy, with billions of dollars’ worth of gold allegedly leaving the country through illicit channels to finance weapons purchases and military operations.
The sanctions target individuals and companies linked to both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), including gold trading networks operating through international markets in Dubai and Hong Kong.
Among those sanctioned is Abu Dharr Abdul Nabi Habiballa Ahmmed, identified by UK authorities as an RSF financier and procurement facilitator. Several UAE-based companies accused of supporting RSF operations were also targeted. On the SAF side, Britain sanctioned Ahmad Abdalla, a procurement operative linked to the Defence Industries Systems, as well as mining companies accused of generating gold revenues to support military activities.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Sudan’s population continues to suffer from a conflict sustained by illicit gold and financial flows, warning that those enabling atrocities would be held accountable.
The sanctions come amid concerns over escalating violence around El Obeid, where British officials warned of a possible humanitarian crisis similar to recent events in El Fasher. The UK has also announced that tackling illicit gold trade will be a key focus of its Illicit Finance Summit scheduled for London in December 2026.
