Sudan confirms a final agreement with Russia to build a naval base on the Red Sea coast, following prior discussions under former President Omar al-Bashir. Foreign Minister Ali Youssef noted only the deal’s ratification remains pending, emphasizing complete agreement with Russia. This initiative aims to establish a strategic military presence in the region amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.
Sudan has officially confirmed that it has reached a final agreement with Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast. This arrangement comes after discussions initiated under former President Omar al-Bashir, although the military government that replaced him previously indicated it was under review. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef announced the signing of the deal, stating that ratification is the final step needed.
Youssef emphasized the clarity of the agreement, asserting that Sudan and Russia have settled all outstanding issues. In a briefing in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, he noted, “The matter is very simple… We have agreed on everything.” More specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, and Lavrov did not elaborate further on the discussions.
The naval agreement, which originally began discussions in 2019 and was signed in November 2020, faced uncertainty especially around the war that erupted in 2023. The ongoing civil conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties amid escalating power struggles between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Moscow has long been interested in establishing a strategic base near Port Sudan.
The agreement allows Russia to create a naval logistics hub lasting 25 years, accommodating warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, and up to 300 personnel. This region is crucial not only for global trade but also as a geopolitical point of interest amid rising tensions in international naval presence in the Horn of Africa.
Recent developments have prompted Russia to expand its influence in Africa, where it has been establishing military cooperation agreements while simultaneously losing traditional allies in the West. This shift is underscored by recent Russian attempts to strengthen connections with conflicting factions in Sudan during the civil war, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region.
In summary, Sudan’s final agreement with Russia to establish a naval base represents a significant geopolitical development in the Red Sea area amid ongoing civil conflict. The agreement, initially conceived under a previous government, underscores Russia’s continued interest in enhancing its military presence near vital trading routes. As both nations finalize the deal, the implications of this partnership on international relations and regional stability are yet to be fully understood.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
