Sudan has announced that it has finalized an agreement with Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast, despite ongoing conflict in the country. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef confirmed on Wednesday that both nations were in “complete agreement” regarding the base, with only the ratification process remaining.
The agreement, first discussed under former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, was initially signed in November 2020. However, following a military takeover and the outbreak of civil war in 2023, the status of the deal remained uncertain. Now, Sudan has confirmed that there are “no obstacles” to Russia establishing a naval presence near Port Sudan.
The Red Sea is a crucial global trade and security route, with naval presences from major global powers such as the United States, China, and France. Moscow has long sought to establish a strategic foothold in the region, particularly as its military position in Syria faces uncertainty. Last month, Syria’s new government revoked a treaty granting Russia long-term access to its only foreign naval base.
Under the terms of the deal, Russia is expected to establish a logistics hub for warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, and station up to 300 personnel in Port Sudan. The agreement, which will last for 25 years, provides Moscow with a crucial strategic asset at a time when it is expanding its influence across Africa.
Russia has been actively strengthening its presence on the continent, signing military cooperation agreements and challenging the traditional influence of Western powers. In Sudan, Moscow has maintained contact with both sides of the ongoing civil war, which erupted due to a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The civil war, which has left thousands dead and displaced millions, has transformed Port Sudan into the country’s de facto capital. Russian officials have reportedly visited the city in recent months to solidify ties with Sudanese leadership. Despite the instability, the finalized base agreement signals Russia’s commitment to maintaining a long-term presence in the region.
The establishment of a Russian naval base on the Red Sea has significant geopolitical implications, as it strengthens Moscow’s strategic positioning while adding to tensions in an already contested maritime zone. With global superpowers vying for influence in Africa, Russia’s latest move marks a new chapter in the shifting balance of power along one of the world’s most vital trade corridors.
