Sudanese army dismantles counterfeit currency cell linked to RSF

March 1, 2025 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese army said on Saturday it had dismantled a cell, including Sudanese and foreign nationals, counterfeiting currency for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in eastern Khartoum.

The Sudanese government accuses the United Arab Emirates of recruiting foreign mercenaries for the RSF, who enter the country via Chad. Hundreds of fighters from South Sudan and Ethiopia are also reportedly fighting alongside the RSF.

“Special operations forces and Central Reserve Forces dismantled a cell including Sudanese and foreign nationals affiliated with the RSF, in possession of modern printing machines for counterfeiting currency,” the army said in a statement.

Foreign currency and raw materials ready for printing were seized in the Marabi’ al-Sharif area of Soba Sharq, east of the capital Khartoum, the statement added.

“This explains the refusal of the militia – i.e., the RSF – and its supporters to accept the currency change implemented by the state,” the army said.

Late last year, the Central Bank of Sudan issued a new 1,000-pound note and withdrew the 500-pound note. The currency exchange took place in areas under army control.

The RSF rejected the currency exchange and prevented civilian administrations under its control in Darfur from using the new currency.

The army displayed the seized machinery and banknote paper in a video. A cell member said the RSF was paying the salaries of its fighters by counterfeiting currency in Soba Sharq.

Since September, the army has regained control of large areas in Khartoum state and is currently focusing its efforts on retaking East Nile, Soba Sharq, and central Khartoum.