Title page
Contents
Summary 4
01. Introduction 6
02. The transnational nature of conflict in Ethiopia and Sudan 10
03. The economic value of sesame and its role as a transnational 'conflict commodity' 18
04. The role of sesame in driving rivalries in Ethiopia 25
05. The role of sesame in Sudan's war economy 33
06. Conclusion and recommendations 42
About the authors 47
Acknowledgments 47
Figure 1. Map of Ethiopia-Sudan border 19
Figure 2. Ethiopia's top sesame seed export markets 23
Figure 3. Sudan's top sesame seed export markets 23
Figure 4. SAF outposts in Al Fashaga (2020-22) 35
Figure 5. The SAF's construction of a bridge across the Atbarah River at Wad Arud, Lesser Al Fashaga (February 2021 to January 2023) 36
Figure 6. SAF outposts in Wad Arud and Berkhat Noreen, Lesser Al Fashaga (2020-22) 38