Sudan Confirms Talks with Russia for Red Sea Naval Base Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Sudan is negotiating with Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast, which could expand Moscow’s military presence in Africa. The proposed facility near Port Sudan would accommodate 300 personnel under a 25-year agreement. However, Sudan's internal conflict and U.S. opposition complicate final approval amid ongoing civil strife.
hassan benyoub 
March 11, 2025 – Sudan has confirmed it is engaged in active negotiations with Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast, a move that could bolster Moscow’s military footprint in Africa and reshape power dynamics along a vital global trade route. The announcement highlights Russia’s persistent efforts to secure a strategic presence in the region, despite Sudan’s internal turmoil and international opposition.
Negotiations Gain Momentum
Sudanese officials have revealed that discussions center on a naval facility near Port Sudan, a key coastal city. The proposed base would accommodate up to 300 Russian personnel and host four naval vessels, including nuclear-powered ships, under a 25-year agreement with automatic renewals every decade. The talks, which trace back to 2017 under former President Omar al-Bashir, have progressed significantly in recent weeks. In February 2025, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Sharif declared that a “final deal” had been reached with Russia, with “no obstacles” remaining beyond ratification by a yet-to-be-formed civilian government.
Moscow has reportedly met Sudan’s latest demands, including the provision of advanced weaponry and military equipment, signaling a deepening partnership. However, Sudan’s lack of a functioning parliament—dissolved since the 2019 ouster of al-Bashir and further destabilized by the 2021 military coup—means the deal’s formal approval remains pending.
Strategic Stakes in the Red Sea
The Red Sea base would mark Russia’s first permanent military installation in Africa, offering a critical alternative to its Tartus naval facility in Syria, where influence has waned since Bashar al-Assad’s fall in December 2024. With 12% of global trade passing through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal at its northern end, Port Sudan provides Moscow a strategic perch to project power into the Indian Ocean and beyond. This move comes as Russia seeks to offset losses in Syria and expand its African influence, where it has already forged military ties with nations like Mali and the Central African Republic.
The base intensifies geopolitical rivalry in East Africa, a region where the U.S. and China maintain naval presences in Djibouti, and France operates nearby. For Sudan, aligning with Russia could yield economic and military benefits, including arms and potential trade partnerships, amid its ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Challenges and Opposition
Sudan’s internal conflict, which erupted in April 2023, poses a formidable hurdle. The RSF controls significant territory, including parts of the east near Port Sudan, raising doubts about the government’s ability to secure the area for such a project. Posts on X from early March 2025 reflect skepticism, with some analysts questioning whether SAF leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan would commit to the deal while his battlefield position strengthens, potentially leveraging Russia’s interest for more aid.
Internationally, the U.S. has voiced strong opposition. In December 2024, Sudan reportedly rejected an earlier Russian proposal amid Western pressure, with the U.S. warning of diplomatic isolation and economic consequences. U.S. intelligence has long tracked Moscow’s Red Sea ambitions, fearing it could disrupt Western dominance over this critical maritime corridor. Despite this, Sudan’s Foreign Minister asserted in early March 2025 that the country would procure weapons from any willing seller—be it Russia, Iran, or Ukraine—defying external constraints.
A Pivotal Moment for Sudan and Russia
If ratified, the naval base would cement Russia’s foothold in Africa, marking a significant shift since its Cold War-era engagements on the continent. For Sudan, it offers a lifeline amid economic collapse and war, though at the risk of alienating Western partners. The deal’s success hinges on Sudan’s ability to stabilize internally and navigate international backlash—a tall order given its fractured state.
As negotiations advance, the Red Sea’s strategic landscape hangs in the balance, with Russia poised to challenge the status quo and Sudan weighing the costs of its bold alignment.
