Final Agreement Reached for Russian Naval Base on Sudan’s Red Sea Coast
Sudan has concluded a final agreement with Russia to establish a naval base along its Red Sea coast, indicating no obstacles are left. This agreement, revived after initial discussions under former President Omar al-Bashir, awaits ratification, reflecting Sudan’s strategic significance amid current civil conflict and geopolitical interests in the region.
Sudan has announced a finalized agreement with Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast, indicating there are no remaining obstacles to the deal. The agreement, initially discussed under former President Omar al-Bashir, was put on hold following his ousting but was revisited and signed by Sudan’s military government.
During a press briefing with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef confirmed the signing, stating they are in complete agreement regarding the naval base. He noted that only the ratification of the deal is pending.
The strategic location of the Red Sea, a critical global commerce route, already hosts naval presences from the US, China, and France. Historically, Russia has aimed to secure a logistic hub near Port Sudan, initially signing the port agreement in November 2020, shortly after the military takeover.
The now-ongoing civil war in Sudan, intensified since early 2023, stems from conflict between the military and paramilitary groups, affecting previous discussions surrounding the naval base. Despite the chaos, Russia has continued efforts to establish operational ties with Sudan amid concerns over its military assets in Syria, following the loss of a long-term port lease.
Recent months have witnessed Russian officials visiting Port Sudan to deepen engagements with key factions in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Russia is expanding its military footprint across Africa, forming new alliances while displacing traditional Western partnerships.
In summary, Sudan has successfully reached a final agreement with Russia for a naval base on the Red Sea, formalizing discussions that have spanned several years and political regimes. The agreement is now pending ratification, highlighting Sudan’s strategic importance in regional military dynamics amid ongoing civil unrest. This move underscores Russia’s expanding influence in international maritime operations and its ongoing efforts to solidify bases in Africa.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
