Russia, Sudan return to naval base agreement despite US pressure

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Feb 2023 19:21
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A draft agreement from 2020 between Russia and Sudan for the establishment of a Russian naval base on the Red Sea is back underway following a visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russian Black Sea fleet ships are anchored in one of the bays of Sevastopol, Crimea, March 31, 2014 (AP Photo, File)

In November 2020, a draft deal between Moscow and Khartoum was brokered for establishing a Russian naval "material and logistical support point" in the Red Sea. In December 2020 Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the proposal, however, the deal awaits ratification by Sudan.

Russia's entry into the area was not welcomed by the US, who therefore put pressure on Khartoum, delaying ratification.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was in Khartoum on February 9, declared that the procedure was underway. Soon after, on February 11, the Sudanese government, as per an Associated Press report, also announced that it will be returning to the agreement.

According to AP, after Lavrov's visit to Khartoum, Moscow had satisfied all Sudanese requirements, and as such, the army had approved the agreement's entrance into effect following the establishment of a government and a legislative body and its ratification.

In parallel, Eritrea, adjacent to Sudan, had previously suggested Russia built a naval base on its territory.

Agreement details

According to the documents of the draft deal, "the Republic of Sudan gives its consent to Russia for the establishment and operation of a refueling and maintenance base on Sudanese territory, as well as for the development and modernization of its infrastructure to ensure repairs, refueling operations and rest of crew members."

The agreement is expected, once ratified by Sudan, to last 25 years with an automatic 10-year extension provided that neither party requested termination prior to that. Throughout that time 300 servicemen are expected to be deployed to the base which would include four Russian naval vessels, this included nuclear-powered warships.

In terms of communication, the Russians will have to notify the Sudanese 12 hours prior to arrival at the base and three hours ahead of departure.

The base's land will be granted away without charge in exchange for investment in port expansion and the development of a brand-new dock for its navy.

In accordance with the provisions of the agreement, Russia agrees to provide free munitions and equipment for setting up an anti-aircraft defense system at another Sudanese naval port known as the Port Sudan naval base.