Russia Secures New Naval Base in Sudan

Left to right: Sudan’s Military Leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia has reached an agreement to establish a naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast, marking a significant expansion of its military footprint in Africa. Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ali Al-Sharif, confirmed the deal during a visit to Moscow, stating that both nations were in "complete agreement" and that "there are no obstacles" to implementing the long-delayed plan.

World map showing Sudan in Green, Russia in Orange

This development comes as Moscow seeks an alternative to its Tartus naval base in Syria, where the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad has cast uncertainty over Russia’s continued military presence in the region. Sudan’s Red Sea coastline offers a strategically vital location, connecting the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean and facilitating global trade. If established, the Russian base would position Moscow alongside the US and China, both of which already maintain military facilities in Djibouti

Russia’s naval fleet

A Deal Years in the Making

Talks over a Russian naval presence in Sudan date back to 2017, when former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir first proposed the idea to Moscow while seeking support for his weakening regime. A formal agreement was signed in 2020, reportedly allowing Russia to station up to four naval vessels, including nuclear-powered ships, for a period of 25 years. However, implementation stalled due to Sudan’s shifting political landscape, internal conflicts, and differing interpretations of the deal’s terms.

The civil war that erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) further complicated matters. Russia had initially hedged its bets, with Wagner mercenaries supporting the RSF while the Kremlin cultivated ties with the SAF. However, following the death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, Moscow shifted its backing decisively toward Sudan’s military leadership under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Strategic Implications

The timing of the agreement is significant. Sudan’s army has recently gained the upper hand in its conflict with the RSF, capturing key territories and positioning itself for a final assault on Khartoum. Russia, sensing an opportunity, has cemented its alliance with Burhan’s government, offering military and diplomatic support.

Moscow’s growing presence in Sudan also aligns with its broader geopolitical strategy. With Syria’s new government questioning Russia’s military presence and recent satellite images suggesting Moscow may be preparing to scale down operations in Tartus, a Red Sea base would provide a crucial alternative logistical hub for Russian operations in Africa and the Middle East.

Despite the announcement, questions remain about the deal’s long-term viability. Burhan’s government, though internationally recognized, is still engaged in a brutal conflict, and its authority over Sudan remains contested. Western governments are also likely to view the agreement as a strategic challenge, potentially increasing pressure on Sudanese leadership to reconsider its commitment to Moscow.

For now, Russia’s successful securing of a Sudanese naval base represents a significant step in its military expansion into Africa, providing a crucial foothold in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime regions. However, as Sudan’s internal strife continues and global rivalries intensify, the base’s future remains uncertain.