Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces are controlling vital supplies of gum arabic used in Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The ingredient, crucial for numerous products, is primarily sourced from Sudan. The ongoing civil war complicates the situation as payments are allegedly required to transport goods, with companies facing ethical dilemmas in their supply chains. Recent boycotts in the Middle East add further pressure on these brands.
A recent report indicates that Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are currently controlling the supply of gum arabic, a crucial ingredient in Coca-Cola and Pepsi products. Gum arabic, which is derived from acacia tree sap, is integral not only to soft drinks but also to a variety of other goods, including cosmetics and sweets. Approximately 70 percent of the global supply originates from Sudan, which features a vast area dominated by RSF control, as stated by Bloomberg.
Hisham Salih Yagoub, head of the Sudanese company Afritec, confirmed that he routinely pays the RSF $2,500 per truck in order to facilitate the transportation of gum arabic to ports. He remarked, “They stop the trucks and you have to pay for the trucks to move.” This troubling situation is exacerbated by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has displaced 12.5 million individuals and resulted in significant loss of life according to the UNHCR.
In addition to the RSF’s actions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have also allegedly introduced fees of around $155 per 100kg of gum arabic exported from Port Sudan, implicating companies in financial dealings with war crime-affiliated factions. Bloomberg reached out to Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Danone for comments, but received no responses regarding this issue. Conversely, Nestlé expressed a commitment to responsible sourcing in accordance with regulatory standards.
Mars Inc. stated its zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and stated that it is actively engaging with its suppliers about the concerning situation in Sudan, indicating readiness to take appropriate measures if policy violations are discovered. Furthermore, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are contending with a boycott in the Middle East due to their perceived support for US actions in the region, resulting in a notable 7 percent decline in sales for these brands in early 2024, according to NielsenIQ.
The report highlights the troubling control of gum arabic supply by the RSF in Sudan, posing significant ethical challenges for global brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Amidst ongoing civil unrest and humanitarian crises, companies are urged to navigate the complexities of sourcing responsibly. The implications of these economic ties to parties accused of war crimes are further compounded by the recent boycotts against these soft drink giants in the Middle East, suggesting broader repercussions for their public image and sales.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
