Sudan Agrees to Host Russian Naval Base - The Insider

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Sharif announced that all aspects regarding the construction of a Russian naval base in Sudan had been agreed upon during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Orda reports, citing The Insider.

The agreement, initially proposed in 2017 and signed in 2020, allows Russia to station up to four ships and 300 personnel at Port Sudan.

The 25-year deal (extendable by 10 years) permits Russia to transport military equipment through Sudan's ports and airports and install air defense and electronic warfare systems.

This development marks a significant shift from December 2024, when Sudan reportedly rejected the base despite Russia's offer of an S-400 missile system.

The country had previously hesitated due to concerns about Western reactions.

Russia maintains significant gold mining operations in Sudan, protected by private military contractors.

Lavrov emphasized that helping develop Sudan's mineral resources remains a priority for Russia.