Sudan puts Russian Red Sea naval base plans on hold to focus on domestic crisis
Sudan has frozen plans for a Russian naval base on the Red Sea, a senior military official says, contradicting reports of progress as the war-torn country prioritises its internal conflict.
Sudan has paused plans to establish a Russian naval base on the Red Sea, a senior military official has revealed, contradicting recent reports suggesting the project was progressing.
Speaking to The Sudan Tribune on condition of anonymity, the official said all procedures related to the Port Sudan facility "remain frozen," noting that neither Khartoum nor Moscow has taken any action on the proposal this year.
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The clarification follows a report by The Wall Street Journal last week, which claimed Sudan had offered Russia a 25-year plan to station troops and warships in exchange for military support to strengthen the army's fight against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Under the proposed arrangement, a Russian base would be established at Port Sudan or another Red Sea site, accommodating up to 300 personnel and docking up to four ships, including nuclear-powered vessels. Russia would also gain access to mining rights in Sudan.
Stronger foothold in Africa
The report suggested the deal would give Moscow a stronger foothold in Africa while raising concerns in Washington, which has sought to prevent Russia and China from controlling key ports that could support warships or influence major trade routes.
The military source added that ongoing fighting within the country has forced the government to focus on other priorities. The conflict in Sudan has reportedly resulted in around 150,000 fatalities and displaced nearly 12 million people.
The source also stressed that Sudan's cooperation with Russia remains a priority and that the government is committed to delivering humanitarian aid "without delays or obstacles."
Sudan and Russia first agreed in 2020 to set up a logistics hub for the Russian fleet, limiting staff to 300 and allowing no more than four ships, including nuclear-capable vessels, at any given time.
In February, former Sudanese foreign minister Ali Youssef said, following talks in Moscow, that Sudan and Russia had fully agreed on setting up the base, stating that "nothing stood in the way of the plan."
Since then, however, the plan has seen no further advancement.
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