Russia gains strategic Red Sea foothold with Sudan base deal
The Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Jusuf Sharif confirmed that his country will allow Russia to establish a naval base in Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast. Moscow has been actively seeking such an agreement, which could allow it to maintain its influence in the region despite the challenges it faces in Syria.
Russia's situation in Syria changed after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The new leadership, headed by interim President Ahmed al-Shara, adopted a tough negotiating strategy and is not afraid to look towards other powers, including Turkey. In practice, this means that Russia has been cut off from the Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province and the naval base in the port city of Tartus. For the latter, to some extent, the new facility in Sudan could serve as an alternative, providing Russia with additional benefits.
Russia to establish naval base in Port Sudan
As reported by NEXTA, the agreement with Sudan grants Russia the right to establish a naval base in Port Sudan and use it for its purposes, including the transport of weapons, ammunition, and equipment.
This development will strengthen Russia's influence in Africa, as Sudan will provide access to the African Sahel region, where Russian mercenaries are present (e.g., in Chad or the Central African Republic). Additionally, it may have significant strategic importance for the Middle East.
Russia long sought influence in Sudan
Russia has been striving for years to secure permission to establish a naval base on Sudan's coast. Initially, this was negotiated back in 2017 with Sudan's former dictator Omar al-Bashir, who sought "protection from the unfriendly United States." It was assumed that Russia would be able to lease the necessary land for 25 years, with the option to extend for an additional 10 years.
The forces that overthrew Omar al-Bashir in 2019 stated that "the plan regarding the Russians is under review." The base was not established, although fighters from the Wagner Group were stationed in Sudan.
In December 2024, an article appeared in the "Sudan Tribune" reporting that Russia had been pressuring the Sudanese authorities for permission to build a fueling station on the Red Sea coast. In return, it offered weapons and ammunition for the Sudanese army, which is fighting rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) units.
The Military Africa portal notes that as much as 87% of Sudan's army weaponry consists of post-Soviet and Russian arms, and the Red Sea, to which Russia will gain access, "is one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Suez Canal with the Indian Ocean, through which approximately 12% of the world's trade passes."
