Until a few years ago, Russia and Sudan did not work closely together. This approach began in 2017, when Vladimir Putin welcomed then-Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. In the aftermath of the Sudanese coup, they have reaffirmed their close ties with Russia. Following this process, Russia signed a contract with Sudan last December to build a naval base near the Port Sudanharbor. (Photo quoted from Yahoo)
Under the agreement (25-year contract and Possibility of extension for 10 years), Russia could have up to 300 troops in the port and simultaneously accommodate up to four Russian naval warships. Under the agreement, the base will have an air defense and electronic warfare system.
Russia's interest in establishing a military base in Sudan
During the Cold War, Soviet forces were present in southern Yemen and the Red Sea. But in 1991, Soviet life and the Cold War came to an end. In these circumstances, from Moscow's point of view, the vacuum of Russia's presence is felt.
In fact, the establishment of a base in Sudan is in line with the rising of Russia as a great power. The base will be Russia's second-largest naval base in the Middle East and North Africa, after the Syrian port of Tartous. Just as Russia's naval base in Tartous, Syria, has reduced Moscow's need for the Bosphorus and Dardanelles in Turkey, so building a base in Sudan could affect the equations of the Red Sea and Mediterranean regions.
In addition, Russia is eager to consolidate its presence in the African continent. Therefore, in addition to holding the meeting of Russian and African leaders in October 2019 in Sochi, readiness to help and expand trade with African countries, expanding trade with African countries and meeting with Sudanese leaders, Russia will follow Strategic expansion of Russia's relations with Africa.
On the other hand, about 49% of arms exports to Africa are from Russia. So Russia's readiness to supply Sudan with cheaper Russian weapons is while Russia will not pay rent for the base, but will cover the cost of building the base and some of Sudan's weapons needs.
In addition to this, the presence of a naval base in Sudan, with air defense systems and the ability to gather information is in the interest of both Sudanese and Russian actors. Also, the use of Sudanese airports and the opportunity to increase the number of troops stationed at the base will also expand Russia's influence in northeastern Africa and in the important route of the Red Sea and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.
In fact, military presence and geopolitical rivalries have spread to the Red Sea, the Horn of Africa, and neighboring areas. The United States has a military presence in the region. France, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and China have also established military bases in the region.
Turkey also has a military or strategic presence in Somalia and Sudan. Under these circumstances, the construction of the base could increase Russia's presence in the Red Sea. Actually, the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean, Strait of Bab al-Mandeb and the Suez Canal, connects Asia to the Mediterranean Sea, Europe and the America.
Therefore, Russia's presence in the Red Sea will create new geopolitical challenges, especially for America's current rivals and the US' superiority in the Indian Ocean. This is despite the fact that China (unlike the United States and the European Union) views Russia's presence in the Red Sea as a positive balance of power.
What is clear is that the new military base in Sudan will facilitate the operations of the Russian navy. Russia also is considering other goals including fighting pirates, maintaining Russia's image as a world power, increasing its military presence in Sudan, helping to invest in the extraction of raw materials and gold in Sudan and other parts of Africa (as a major source of natural resources).
Farzad Ramezani Bonesh
Senior Researcher and Analyst of International Affairs
