Sudan and Russia Reopen Deferred Talks on Naval Base in the Red Sea
Sudanese Echoes – Closed-door talks between Sudanese and Russian officials have seen the reopening of the long-deferred issue of establishing a Russian logistical support facility and naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast.
During bilateral discussions held on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow late last week, Sudan proposed the establishment of a “free economic zone” as a flexible civilian and logistical arrangement aimed at easing regional and international reservations about setting up a Russian military base on the Red Sea, while at the same time securing Moscow a foothold in the region, according to informed sources who spoke to Sudan Tribune.
Sudan and Russia have, at various times, denied that there have been any new developments regarding the establishment of a Russian naval base in Port Sudan, affirming that the current discussions relate to a previous agreement signed in 2020, which still requires final ratification by the parliaments of both countries.
The proposed move has raised considerable concern in the United States and European countries, as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, given its direct implications for Red Sea maritime security and global trade routes.
Last year, The Wall Street Journal quoted Sudanese officials as saying that the military authorities had offered Russia the opportunity to establish Moscow’s first naval base in Africa, a move that would give Moscow an unprecedented foothold overlooking vital trade routes in the Red Sea.
On another front, concerning military support and arms supplies, the high-level Sudanese delegation, which included the head of the Defence Industries System and the Director-General of the General Intelligence Service, held intensive discussions aimed at securing advanced Russian military supplies. These included drones, sophisticated air defence systems, as well as spare parts and ammunition required for Russian-made equipment owned by the Sudanese army. In return, Moscow would be granted extensive privileges and facilities in the mining sector, including the extraction of gold, copper and other minerals.
The Sudanese delegation also called on Moscow to adopt a firmer and clearer position in support of the military institution and the international legitimacy of the Sudanese army. It commended Moscow’s positions in support of Sudan at the United Nations Security Council.