Sudan’s foreign minister announced on Wednesday that there are “no obstacles” to Russia’s objective of establishing a naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast, a development that could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the region. This claim comes amid a longstanding interest from Moscow in securing a strategic location near Port Sudan.
During a visit to Moscow, Sudan’s foreign minister, Ali Youssef, indicated that there is a strong mutual understanding between Sudan and Russia regarding the proposed naval base. “We are in complete agreement on this matter, and there are no obstacles whatsoever,” he stated, although he refrained from elaborating on specific details of the agreement. The foreign minister’s comments were made in a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who did not address Youssef’s statements or offer any insights into the matter of the naval base itself.
This potential naval base is part of a larger context of Russian influence in Africa, where Moscow has sought to extend its reach by backing various factions in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The Russian government has been strategically growing its influence across the continent, positioning itself as a partner to numerous African nations.
Historically, Sudan has maintained a military reliance on Russia, particularly during the regime of former President Omar al-Bashir, who ruled for nearly three decades before his ousting in 2019. Bashir’s government had initiated negotiations for a 25-year contract with Russia to develop and manage the naval base. Following his fall from power, the Sudanese military reviewed the terms of this deal, leaving the future of the proposed base uncertain.
The situation in Sudan has been further complicated by the outbreak of civil war in 2023, casting doubt not only on the viability of the naval base but also on the country’s overall political stability. As the conflict continues, the actualization of the naval base agreement remains in a precarious balance, underscoring the challenges faced by Sudan in navigating both internal divisions and external relationships.
