Russia to set up naval base in Sudan

Details have emerged of an agreement between Khartoum and Moscow for Russia to establish a naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast.

The deal, signed last week, will allow Russia to keep up to four navy ships, including nuclear-powered vessels, in Port Sudan for the next 25 years.

Analysts say the move is part of Russia’s attempt to reassert its geopolitical influence.

It’s suffered a series of setbacks this year in its backyard, including the defeat last month of its traditional ally Armenia by Turkey-backed Azerbaijan.

In 2017, on his first visit to Russia, Sudan’s former president, Omar al-Bashir asked President Vladimir Putin to “protect” his country from United States’ aggression.

Mr Bashir has since been ousted from power and is being held in prison in Khartoum.

Article share tools