How Sudan sealed military base agreement with Russia, remained open to ties despite US threats

Several signs that the world has actually moved from the United States of America, which had hitherto considered itself as police of the world, continue unabated as African country, Sudan, not only having publicly announced its military cooperation with Moscow but also, despite Washington’s threats of consequences, remains with the idea to host Russian naval base within its territory.

Fundings revealed that Sudan may have learned how not to out all its eggs in basket with America considering how Washington’s self interest had adversely affected the country’s peace in recent years until the US-led division that gave birth to South Sudan. The findings further showed that America, which would not tolerate military government anywhere except that it imposed sanctions on such country, was caught in the act when he not only allegedly sponsored native Sudanese to stage widespread protests against their own government of Omar El-Bashir but also, celebrated the takeover of power by military junta in the after effect in the country.

This and many other horrible experiences with US, all only for self interest of it alone, may have informed why Sudan, like other African countries which have chosen to either pitch tent with Russia or stand neutral in the Ukraine war-cum drive for the New World Order, is unwavering when Washington tried to threaten it over its decision to allow Russia build a military base in its territory.

The current leadership in Khartoum would go to any length to allow any alliance with any of the super powers mainly Russia, so far the bottom line is its national interest.

It will be recalled that Deputy Chairman of Sudan Sovereignty Council, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalu Hmidti, had reported in March this year, barely one month after the commencement of Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine, that he discussed cooperation with Russian officials on national security and political issues.

Hmidti held a press conference at Khartoum Airport after his 8-day visit to the Russian capital, Moscow.

He said that meetings were held with many officials in Russia, and that they discussed all issues between the two countries, especially politics and economy, during the visit, and that the meetings were productive.

Hmidti stated that they discussed the issues of economy and cooperation between the two countries with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.

Mentioning that he also met with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Patrushev, Hmidti said that they discussed the issue of national security in Russia and Sudan in the field of experience sharing, joint cooperation, fight against terrorism and education.

Hmidti also said the following about the naval base that Russia wants to establish in the city of Port Sudan in the Red Sea:

“The issue of the Russian military base is the issue of the Sudanese Defense Minister. There is a lot of talk about this base. There are Russian bases in different countries in Africa. I cannot understand the interest behind the establishment of this base. If the establishment of a military base in Sudan is in the country’s interest and does not threaten its national security, there’s nothing wrong with getting along with him or anyone else.”

Noting that he and his delegation also visited Egypt and met with Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamil, Hmidti stated that the political situation in Sudan was discussed during the meeting and that the Egyptian side called for the crisis in Sudan to be resolved through dialogue.

Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Vice President called on the parties to reach political consensus to overcome difficulties and engage in dialogue in the country.

During the visit of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who was overthrown in 2019 by a military coup, to Moscow in November 2017, the two countries signed cooperation agreements on military training, exchange of experience and the entry of warships into the ports of the two-countries.

According to Russia Today, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the establishment of a Russian base in Sudan on November 16, 2020, capable of accommodating ships with nuclear power units.

Sudan Chief of Staff Mohammed Osman al-Huseyin said in a statement on 19 November 2020, “So far, there is no full agreement with Russia on the establishment of a naval base in the Red Sea, but our military cooperation has been extended.” had used the phrase.

On 9 December 2020, the official Russian newspaper published the text of the agreement between Russia and Sudan on the establishment of a supply and maintenance base for the Russian Navy in the Red Sea “to support peace and security in the region.