Russia will build a naval logistics base in Sudan

Source: Global Times

According to Russia's "Kommersant" newspaper, Russia is preparing to establish a naval logistics base in the Red Sea. The draft agreement signed between Russia and Sudan has been published on the legal information website.

According to the document, the new Russian base has no more than 300 personnel and can berth up to 4 Russian warships, including nuclear-powered ships, at the same time in Port Sudan waters.

Contents of the Agreement

According to the draft Russian-Soviet agreement, the two sides are committed to developing military cooperation and strengthening the defensive capabilities of both sides, believing that the establishment of a Russian naval logistics base in the region "conforms to the purpose of maintaining peace and stability, is of a defensive nature, and is not aimed at other countries." The Government of the Sudan agreed to establish a logistics base on its territory, close to Port Sudan, and to upgrade its infrastructure for the repair, replenishment and personnel repair of Russian warships. The territory occupied by the base (including shore areas and waters) and real estate facilities are provided to the Russian side free of charge.

The Russian side will carry out base construction, install necessary equipment, upgrade and repair work and base maintenance at its own expense. Russia has the right to establish a logistics base with a capacity of no more than 300 personnel ( including military and civilian specialists ) , and this figure could be expanded with the consent of the Sudanese side. The base allowed the simultaneous berthing of up to 4 Russian warships, including nuclear-powered ships. Russia has the right to ship any weapons, ammunition, equipment and materials to the base, and the Sudanese side does not impose any fees and tariffs. The Logistics Base and its personnel enjoy immunities and privileges under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. Russian ships, aircraft and means of transport are inviolable and enjoy immunity from inspection to seizure. The territory of the base is under the jurisdiction of Russia.

Russian troops will defend the waters borders and airspace of the base. At the request of the Government of sudan, the Russian side can assist in organizing and engaging in anti-sabotage support in the territorial waters and inland waters of the Sudan, participate in search and rescue operations, assist in the air defense of the Port Sudan naval base and the local navy, and assist in the development of the Sudanese armed forces. The above help will be free. The agreement stipulates that, to this end, the Russian side will provide weapons, military equipment and special equipment to the Sudan in accordance with the procedures and deadlines stipulated in the separate protocol.

Major impact

As early as last year, Russia and Sudan signed a military cooperation framework agreement, which is valid for 25 years and can be automatically extended for 10 years if no party opposes it.

Russia has established military bases in more than a dozen countries, mainly in the former Soviet Union. Ilya Kramnik, an expert at russia's Committee on International Affairs, believes that Russia has long been looking for an opportunity to gain a foothold in the Red Sea, and that the Soviet Union has a base nearby, that is, the logistics base on Nokla Island in the Dakhrak Islands. The proposal to establish a Russian naval base on the Red Coast of Sudan was proposed by former Sudanese President Bashir when he visited Russia three years ago and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although Sudan's military coup in 2019 led to regime change, this did not affect the plans of the two countries.

Aleksandr Mikhailenko, director of the Department of International Security and Diplomatic Activities at the Faculty of International Security of the Faculty of Law and State Security of the State Academy of State Administration directly under the President of Russia, said: "From a geopolitical and geoeconomic point of view, it is a good thing for Russia to establish a military base in Sudan. At the geopolitical level, this is in Russia's recent strong interest in Africa policy. Therefore, it is important to strengthen its military position in the region. He believes that Russia's establishment of a base in Sudan can show its African partners that its interest in the continent is long-term, not temporary. Mikhailenko said: "In terms of geo-economics, it is equally advantageous to build a base in the region. Maritime transport plays an important role in the world economy, and data show that about 10% of the world's maritime trade needs to pass through the Suez Canal. Russia's deployment of military bases in Sudan means it has the ability to influence this busy maritime artery. ”

This article is published in the Global Times "Russia Perspective" special issue, the content is provided by the "Russian newspaper".