Sudan remains open to naval base deal with Russia
A top Sudanese general's weeklong visit to Moscow has raised the stakes for US officials pushing for democracy in Khartoum.
Following a weeklong visit to Moscow last week, the deputy head of Sudan’s military junta said that Khartoum remains open to the possibility of moving forward with a paused deal to allow Russia to establish a naval base on the Red Sea.
Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (better known as Hemedti) also said Wednesday that he has no objection if Russia or any other country wants to open a base on Sudanese territory.
“We have 730 kilometers along the Red Sea. If any country wants to open a base and it is in our interests and doesn't threaten our national security, we have no problem in dealing with anyone, Russian or otherwise,” Reuters quoted him as saying.
The Context: The Sudanese general’s comments come after he discussed expanding his government’s political, economic and security ties during his trip to the Russian capital last week.
