Sudan gives Moscow a maritime foothold in Africa

The Wall Street Journal published that the Sudanese government offered Russia the establishment of a naval military base in the port of Port Sudan on the Red Sea, in a deal extending for 25 years, which includes the deployment of Russian forces and warships, in addition to Moscow obtaining concessions in the mining sector.

This step is the first Russian naval base in Africa, which gives Moscow a strategic location on global trade routes, and allows monitoring navigation to and from the Suez Canal, one of the most important sea lanes in the world. In return, Khartoum will receive advanced military equipment at reduced prices to support its efforts against paramilitary militias.

The offer comes five years after Russian attempts to build a naval base in Port Sudan, amid an accelerated move by the Kremlin to strengthen its influence in Africa, after Moscow lost some of its previous positions due to internal crises among its mercenary forces.

The project raises concern for the United States, which has been trying for years to limit Russian and Chinese influence on the continent, especially in vital ports that may turn into centers for rearming ships and monitoring international trade routes. American experts point out that the presence of a Russian base in Sudan will give Moscow a greater ability to project its global power and operate with relative freedom in the region.

This development comes in light of ongoing Sudanese internal tensions since 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which prompted Khartoum to search for external military and technical support to strengthen its position in the internal conflict, while maintaining the balance of its relations with regional and international powers, including the United States and the European Union.

The deal reflects Russia’s interest in expanding its military presence in Africa, as it faces restrictions on warm water ports necessary to support its naval fleet, while other countries such as China are racing to establish strategic bases and ports on the continent, as happened in Djibouti.