Russian Support Point on the Red Sea: Political or Economic Transit?
Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shammam
The Sudanese government views Russia as a strong ally, supporting its political stance as it continues a war nearing its second year against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Simultaneously, both countries hope that their alliance will lead to significant economic openness, strengthening their political ties. This expectation has been reinforced by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef’s visit to Moscow and his discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which have brought the old agreement on establishing a logistical support point on Sudan’s Red Sea coast back into the spotlight.
This agreement, which has gained renewed attention following Youssef’s remarks in Moscow, is not new. It was originally signed in 2017 during Omar al-Bashir’s presidency, stipulating that Russia would build and operate a naval logistical support point on the Red Sea for the Russian Navy. However, after the Sudanese military took control following al-Bashir’s ouster, the agreement was put under review.
Sudanese Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Al-Ghazali Al-Tijani Siraj, clarified that reports regarding establishing a Russian military base on the Red Sea refer to the same old agreement, officially called the Material and Logistical Support Point on the Red Sea. He emphasized that the agreement still exists and that both countries view it within the context of their developing bilateral relations, as it is a mutual agreement serving their shared interests in strengthening cooperation in this domain.
What may be more important to Sudan at this moment is Russia’s commitment to participating in Sudan’s reconstruction efforts. According to statements by the Sudanese ambassador in Moscow to Sudanhorizon news outlet, Russia has expressed a strong desire to engage through both the public and private sectors in Sudan’s recovery programs following the massive destruction of infrastructure due to systematic attacks by the RSF militia, which Sudan labels as a terrorist group.
The ambassador also highlighted Russia’s strong capabilities and Sudan’s abundant resources, expressing expectations of Russian contributions in key sectors such as energy, oil, and mining. He noted that preparations within the Sudanese government have already begun. The joint ministerial committee between the two countries is set to meet very soon in Port Sudan, with major participation from influential and experienced public and private sector companies in these industries.
Russian Interest in Sudan’s Mining Sector
One of Russia’s primary economic interests in Sudan is the mining sector, particularly gold mining. Following the war, Russian companies are actively seeking to work in secure mining zones.
In September last year, a Russian Chamber of Commerce delegation met with Sudanese officials to discuss arrangements for gold extraction, with operations expected to begin in October. Additionally, on June 7, the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals signed an agreement with Russia’s Zarubezh Mining Company to explore and extract gold in mining block (NS-A-24).
Ambassador Al-Tijani affirmed that Sudan bases its international relations on mutual interests and fair cooperation, stating:
“We believe Russia adopts a similar approach in its external economic relations. We are open to working with any country, Western or otherwise, as long as they uphold these principles in their engagements with Sudan.”
He further emphasized:
“Russia has stood with Sudan and provided significant support during this crisis. This understanding of Sudan’s circumstances places Russia among the priority countries for investments and partnerships across various sectors.”
Expert Opinion: No Major Economic Gains from a Russian Military Base
However, economic expert Dr. Mohamed Ali Tourshin argues that establishing a Russian military base on the Red Sea will not yield significant economic benefits for Sudan. He cites several reasons, including:
Russia’s economy lacks strong production and marketing capacities compared to Western nations.
Russia’s primary strength lies in defense and military industries, where it leads in arms exports, particularly to African nations.
In an interview with Al-Muhaqqiq, Tourshin explained that the main benefit Sudan could gain from this agreement would be military support, specifically the supply of weapons to the Sudanese army in the ongoing war.
He emphasised:
“Sudan needs to expand its partnerships beyond Russia. It must diversify its economic sources by engaging with multiple countries across Asia and the European Union.”