Coca-Cola’s use of gum arabic, primarily sourced from Sudan, is linked to financing ongoing civil conflict in the region. As global demand for the ingredient rises, sourcing becomes increasingly complex given the industry’s instability and rebel control over supply routes. Major companies face ethical dilemmas balancing business needs with the realities of war and humanitarian crises.
Coca-Cola is linked to funding Sudan’s ongoing civil war due to its use of gum arabic, a key ingredient derived from acacia tree sap. The global demand for this ingredient, found in many consumer products, has raised concerns that profits from its trade are fuelling conflict between the Sudanese military and paramilitary rebels. Approximately 80% of the world’s gum arabic comes from Sudan, yet much of it is now sourced from areas controlled by rebel factions, making ethical sourcing challenging for Western companies.
Gum arabic has been utilized by humans for thousands of years, originally recorded as early as 2000 BC in ancient Egypt for various applications, including food and cosmetics. Its unique water-soluble properties allow for wide use across diverse sectors today. However, the Sudanese gum arabic industry has experienced instability and economic difficulties, particularly exacerbated by the recent civil war which threatens the sustainability of exports.
In the 1990s, U.S. sanctions on Sudan led to a unique exemption for gum arabic trade due to its importance. As international pressures mounted, especially after the atrocities in Darfur, gum arabic was used by Sudan’s diplomacy as leverage. Presently, ongoing conflict has resulted in the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) gaining control over gum harvesting and trade routes, effectively becoming a critical financial resource for both sides in the war.
The conflict has complicated efforts by Western companies to source gum arabic responsibly. While stopping trades may aid in ethical sourcing, it could also adversely affect livelihoods of many Sudanese dependent on the industry amidst escalating famine. Furthermore, the challenge lies in the fact that much of the product is now smuggled from Sudan, with traders in neighboring countries offering it without verified certification of being conflict-free.
Coca-Cola and other major companies like Nestlé and L’Oréal have not publicly commented on the ramifications of their sourcing, with reports indicating that they remain reliant on this critical ingredient despite its controversial origins. The situation highlights the complexities of global supply chains intertwined with conflict, urging a reevaluation of ethical practices surrounding sourcing ingredients from war-torn regions.
The link between gum arabic in consumer products like Coca-Cola and the funding of Sudan’s civil war underscores the urgent need for corporations to reconsider their sourcing practices. With the majority of gum arabic derived from a region engulfed in conflict and human suffering, there is a pressing dilemma between supporting local economies and acknowledging the ethical implications of such trades. This situation calls for transparency and tangible actions to mitigate the adverse impacts on conflict-stricken areas.
Original Source: theweek.com
