Sudan puts Russia naval base deal under review
A top military officer denied the review was connected to increased ties with the United States.
Sudan’s interim government is having second thoughts about a deal that would allow Russia to establish a naval base on the Red Sea.
The deal is now under review to ensure it “serve[s] Sudan’s interests,” Sudanese officials informed a Russian delegation to Khartoum last week, said armed forces Chief of Staff Gen. Mohamed Othman al-Hussein in an interview with Sudan’s Blue Nile TV last night.
The deal, released by Moscow late last year, would allow Russia’s navy to maintain a 25-year lease at Port Sudan, housing up to four ships and 300 soldiers, in exchange for weapons and military equipment for Khartoum.
Russia claims the planned base would be for basic resupply and repairs, but the agreement also allows Russia to move “any weapons, ammunition and equipment” necessary through the port.
