Back sudantransparency.org

Bypassing Sanctions Sustaining The War Economy

sudantransparency.org • October 20, 2026

Trends, effectiveness, unintended consequences, and recommendations for conflict related sanctions since April 2023

The report examines whether international sanctions are constraining the financial and commercial networks sustaining Sudan’s devastating war. It highlights the role of regional powers—including Egypt in relation to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in relation to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—in helping their respective Sudanese allies circumvent sanctions and sustain the financial and procurement networks that underpin their war efforts.

Since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, international sanctions have targeted individuals and companies linked to both warring parties, as well as their commercial partners and regional facilitators. Yet the SAF and the RSF continue to exploit Sudan’s national resources in the territories under their respective control, diverting substantial proceeds to private enrichment and the financing of their military campaigns. Their continued access to these resources helps sustain a war that is now entering its fourth year, with devastating humanitarian consequences for Sudan’s population.

The report finds that, while sanctions may have disrupted established financial and procurement channels, their overall impact remains limited. Targeted entities have adapted by shifting business operations across jurisdictions, seeking alternative weapons-supply routes, and pursuing domestic arms production.

To strengthen sanctions effectiveness, the report recommends greater international coordination and more rigorous enforcement; action against unsanctioned subsidiaries and associated business networks; deeper engagement with third countries whose jurisdictions facilitate sanctions evasion; and measures to mitigate unintended harm to civilians.

The central conclusion is clear: sanctions alone are unlikely to achieve their intended objectives. To constrain the financial networks sustaining Sudan’s war, they must be embedded in a broader, coordinated political strategy.

Please direct all media inquiries to: [email protected]

Read the full paper here .

The full story

This article is one source in a clustered incident — the cluster page carries the summary, timeline and every other outlet covering it.

Sanctions Fail to Halt Sudan's War Economy Amid Ongoing Conflict Since the civil war in Sudan began in April 2023, international sanctions have targeted individuals and companies linked to the conflict. Despite these measures, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue to exploit national resources, undermining the sanctions' effectiveness. A report indicates that these entities have adapted by shifting operations and seeking alternative supply routes. For instance, the Export Development Group, linked to the military conglomerate Defense Industries Systems, continues to operate under the radar, facilitating war profiteering. The humanitarian crisis has escalated, with over two-thirds of Sudan's population needing aid and nearly 14 million displaced. The sanctions have had limited impact, as the targeted entities often evade restrictions and maintain their financial networks. The situation remains dire, with urgent calls for more effective policy responses. 1 sources 42

Extracted Entities

Bypassing Sanctions Sustaining The War Economy

The full story

Extracted Entities

Countries (3)

Domains (1)

Email Addresses (1)