Exclusive | How Chocolate, Soda and Chewing Gum Fund War in Sudan.

The article discusses how the trade in gum arabic, a common ingredient in chocolate, soda, and chewing gum, is funding the war in Sudan. Traders who transport gum arabic must pay fees to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. The Sudanese military also levies taxes on the gum arabic trade. Despite concerns about human rights abuses, few companies have taken steps to avoid sourcing gum arabic from Sudan. Some argue that stopping purchases would harm Sudanese livelihoods and exacerbate the impending famine. The article highlights the need for increased awareness and action to address the issue. [Extracted from the article]