Explainer: Geopolitical implications of Sudan hosting a Russian Red Sea base
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S Panda - . February 25, 2025
- . Update: February 25, 2025 6:06 pm
Some days back, Sudan and Russia apparently reached a final agreement to establish a base in the former nation’s Red Sea coast. Sudan’s Foreign Minister highlighted that a deal had been signed and that a “complete agreement” had been reached.
Under Sudan’s former President Omar al-Bashir, both countries reached a deal for the establishment of a Russian Red Sea base. The only thing that remained at the time is the ratification of the deal.
This procedural hurdle highlights the challenges facing the agreement, especially since Sudan has not had a functioning parliament for nearly 6 years. The country is also unlikely to form one in the immediate future, as per media reports.
Sudan’s military leadership delaying ratifying agreement
Omar al-Bashir had initiated discussions about the potential Russian base in 2017. Talks led to a preliminary agreement in 2020. The deal is supposed to remain in force for 25 years. But the fall of Bashir triggered a series of problems for the deal.
Sudan’s military leadership has repeatedly delayed ratifying the agreement. The delays are further complicated by the ongoing internal conflict – including the Sudanese armed forces and a paramilitary group that Bashir originally created.
The brutal conflict in Sudan has unleashed one of the most serious humanitarian crises across the globe. Tens of thousands of people are killed and nearly 50% of the population is facing acute hunger. The need for relief aid is increasing as essential supplies deplete.
Geopolitics of Sudan hosting Russian Red Sea base
Russia has for a long time sought to establish a base near Port Sudan. The aforementioned port deal concerns the Red Sea, a strategic route that is important to global commerce and a defence and geopolitical hotspot.
Russian interests in Port Sudan are apparently increasing amid fears of losing its military assets in Syria. Russia has also been expanding its influence in other countries in the region, including signing military cooperation agreements and displacing traditional allies, reported BBC.
Nonetheless, it must be highlighted here that under optimistic scenarios too, Sudan is not likely to have a legislative body capable of ratifying such an agreement for at least another year, as per reports. Sudan’s current humanitarian crisis make the Russian base an unlikely priority.
