The RSF in Sudan controls the supply of gum arabic vital to Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Businesses face extortion to transport this ingredient amid a devastating civil war, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. Industry responses reflect concerns over responsible sourcing amidst declining sales in the Middle East.
A recent report indicates that Sudan’s paramilitary organization, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is exerting control over a crucial ingredient utilized in Coca-Cola and Pepsi products. Gum arabic, an organic emulsifier derived from acacia tree sap, is prevalent in numerous categories, including renowned soft drink brands and various consumer goods. Approximately 70 percent of the global supply of gum arabic originates from Sudan, predominantly within RSF-controlled regions.
Hisham Salih Yagoub, leading supplier from Afritec, disclosed that he routinely pays the RSF $2,500 per truck for product transportation to ports, highlighting the dire conditions under which businesses operate. “They stop the trucks and you have to pay for the trucks to move,” Yagoub stated, expressing the challenges presented by the RSF’s control over logistics.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in civil war between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), leading to a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing 12.5 million people, according to UNHCR. Accusations against the RSF include widespread violence and atrocities, while the SAF faces criticism for aggressive military actions.
Documents obtained suggest the SAF imposes additional fees approximating $155 per 100 kilograms of gum arabic exported from Port Sudan, implying that transport further implicates businesses in dealings with groups linked to war crimes. Major beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have not responded to inquiries regarding this situation.
Nestlé has asserted its commitment to responsible sourcing, while Mars has indicated it engages actively with suppliers concerning the troubling events in Sudan. Moreover, Coca-Cola and Pepsi are currently facing boycotts in the Middle East due to geopolitical issues, including perceptions about US support for Israel and Coca-Cola’s ties to the West Bank settlement of Atarot. Market analysis reveals a 7 percent decline in soft drink sales among Western brands in the region in the first half of 2024.
In summary, the RSF’s control over gum arabic supply in Sudan presents significant ethical and operational challenges for major beverage brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. This situation intersects with ongoing humanitarian issues in the region, heightened by civil war and accusations of violence against civilians. As these companies navigate this complex landscape, commitments to responsible sourcing and ethical practices become increasingly crucial amid declining sales and public scrutiny in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
