Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Sharif affirmed no objections to a Russian naval base in Port Sudan following talks in Moscow. While the deal is confirmed, it hinges on the outcome of Sudan’s civil war. The base, significant for Russia’s Mediterranean access, faces operational challenges, particularly with Suez Canal logistics amid ongoing internal conflict.
Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif, confirmed that there are no obstacles to the establishment of a Russian naval base at Port Sudan, following talks in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. While the specific negotiations on the base were not addressed during the meeting, Sharif asserted that both nations are in full agreement regarding the deal, contingent on the outcome of Sudan’s ongoing civil war with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This agreement for a naval base was initially signed under former Sudanese dictator Omar al-Bashir, ousted in a 2019 coup. Since then, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been reviewing the deal to ensure it aligns with national interests. The ongoing internal conflict since 2023 has impeded progress on the establishment of the base, which would mark Russia’s first logistical point in Africa.
With Russia’s naval base in Tartus, Syria under threat, Sudan’s offer becomes crucial for Moscow to maintain regional access. The Port of Sudan could accommodate four warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, which analysts believe may re-establish Russia’s presence in the Indian Ocean. However, the logistical limitations posed by the Suez Canal raise significant operational concerns for naval deployments.
Operational challenges for the Russian fleet include the risks associated with navigating the Suez Canal, especially regarding emergency repairs and how transit signals adversaries about ship movements. Experts Edward Black and Sidharth Kaushal emphasize that these logistical constraints could severely impact the functionality of the Port of Sudan as a strategic launch pad for the Russian Mediterranean fleet.
The establishment of a Russian naval base in Port Sudan signifies a strategic development amidst Russia’s diminishing presence in the Mediterranean. However, while the Sudanese Foreign Minister emphasizes cooperation, operational challenges with the Suez Canal may limit its effectiveness as an alternative base. The situation in Sudan’s civil war further complicates the timeline for this international arrangement, leaving the potential base’s future uncertain.
Original Source: maritime-executive.com
