Sudan confirms ongoing agreement with Russia for Naval facility on Red Sea Coast.

According to information published by Russian sources on August 23, 2024, Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to allowing Russia to establish a logistical support facility for the Russian Navy on its Red Sea coast.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Russian Buyan-M class corvette Velikiy Ustyug. (Picture source: Gazeta)

The Russian Embassy in Sudan announced that the agreement between the two countries remains in effect and can be implemented at any time. However, certain unspecified circumstances in both Sudan and Russia are currently hindering progress on the project, according to the embassy's statement.

Sudan reaffirmed its obligations under the agreement last year during a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The deal, originally signed in 2021, requires ratification to become fully operational. However, Sudan has faced challenges with its new government, delaying further progress.

The preliminary agreement signed in 2021 between Moscow and Khartoum allows for the construction of a Russian base in Port Sudan.

The agreement permits up to four Russian Navy vessels, including those powered by nuclear energy, to be stationed at the logistical support facility simultaneously. Additionally, Russia is required to notify Sudan 12 hours before the arrival of its ships and three hours before their departure. The Russian contingent at the new facility is projected not to exceed 300 personnel.

Comments

Russia's interest in establishing naval bases outside its own territory is driven by several strategic, geopolitical, and military considerations. Firstly, expanding its naval presence abroad allows Russia to project power beyond its immediate neighborhood, enhancing its ability to influence regional dynamics and respond more flexibly to international developments. A key example is the planned naval base in Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia.

Another reason for Russia's interest in overseas bases is to enhance its ability to support its global maritime strategy, which includes protecting sea lanes, securing strategic chokepoints, and projecting naval power in key areas such as the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and potentially the Indian Ocean. Bases in regions like Syria (Tartus) provide logistical support for Russian naval operations, extending their reach and sustainability far from Russian shores.