As the bloody war in Sudan continues questions are emerging about whether some parties to the conflict have extended their activities beyond the country’s borders — particularly into Europe. During a conversation I had with an acquaintance here in Europe about the situation in Sudan, he mentioned information suggesting that certain groups are working to collect money for the Rapid Support Forces. I have heard is that some individuals may resort to unconventional ways of raising funds, such as taking out bank loans (without having any intention of repaying them). Some even start seemingly completely legitimate businesses.
VIENNA MARCH 9: As the bloody war in Sudan continues, increasing questions are emerging about whether some parties to the conflict have extended their activities beyond the country’s borders — particularly into Europe. Among these concerns are reports suggesting that activities linked to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may involve raising funds or building external support networks.
During a conversation I had with an acquaintance here in Europe about the situation in Sudan, he mentioned information suggesting that certain groups are working to collect money for the Rapid Support Forces. This information prompted me to seriously consider the nature of such potential activities, the methods that might be used to carry them out, and the objectives behind them.
What are the Rapid Support Forces—or groups linked to them—doing in Europe?
According to what is being discussed in some circles, there may be attempts to establish financial support networks outside Sudan, taking advantage of Sudanese diaspora communities and the open civic spaces available in European countries. These activities could take different forms, such as contacting individuals or groups to collect money or obtain material support through various means.
Although much of this information still requires verification and documentation, simply raising the issue brings important questions about the possible international reach of the Sudanese conflict.
What methods might be used?
Among the accounts I have heard is that some individuals may resort to unconventional ways of raising funds, such as taking out bank loans (without having any intention of repaying them) or collecting donations from individuals and then transferring that money to actors linked to the conflict in Sudan. Some even start seemingly completely legitimate businesses.
If such claims prove to be accurate, they would raise serious legal and ethical questions about whether financial systems in European countries could be used to fund parties involved in armed conflicts abroad.
Some networks may also rely on personal or community relationships to persuade individuals to contribute financially, especially in the context of the political and emotional polarization surrounding the war.
What is the objective of these activities?
If these reports are true, the primary objective appears to be securing additional financial resources to support military or political operations in Sudan. In modern conflicts, financial resources are just as critical as military power, as warring parties rely heavily on continuous funding to sustain their operations.
Another possible objective could be the development of influence networks or political and media support outside Sudan, which could help improve the image of certain actors or gain sympathy within international circles.
Questions that require investigation.
For now, these accounts remain claims that require serious journalistic investigation supported by evidence and documentation. Nevertheless, raising these questions is important for understanding the international dimensions of the war in Sudan.
The responsibility of journalism is not limited to reporting events; it also includes tracing the flows of money and influence that may contribute to prolonging conflicts. Exposing any illicit funding networks could be an important step toward reducing violence and protecting civilians who continue to pay the highest price in this war.
Image: Steve Evans
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