Sudan’s Burhan Tells Saudi Arabia Plans for Russian Naval Base Along Red Sea Have Been Frozen
Sudanese leadership signals suspension of long-debated naval facility project as diplomatic pressure grows and regional concerns mount
Sudan’s President of the Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has informed Saudi Arabian authorities that plans to host a Russian naval base on the Red Sea coast are currently frozen, according to informed sources.
The announcement comes amid ongoing civil conflict, external diplomatic pressure and strategic recalibration by Khartoum.
The Russian facility, which had been discussed in earlier years under agreements dating back to 2017, was expected to be the Kremlin’s first African naval installation and a strategic foothold on the Red Sea — a vital international shipping corridor.
Reports had suggested talks would advance a 25-year arrangement for a base at Port Sudan or a nearby coastal site, potentially allowing Moscow to station personnel and warships along Africa’s eastern seaboard.
However, sources say this project has been suspended and that recent media claims of construction are inaccurate.
Burhan conveyed the decision during discussions in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the freeze would remain in place while Sudan pursues broader efforts to de-escalate the conflict and build regional support for peace.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have been engaged diplomatically in Sudan, promoting ceasefires, humanitarian access and regional stability amid the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Analysts say Sudan’s move reflects a careful balancing act: avoiding a formal military commitment to any major power while preserving strategic autonomy.
Regional governments, including Riyadh and Cairo, have expressed concerns about great-power competition in the Red Sea and the impact a permanent Russian naval footprint could have on security dynamics.
Western capitals, especially Washington, have also warned of serious consequences if Moscow were to establish an expansive military presence in Port Sudan.
While the base project remains on hold, Burhan’s assurances to Saudi Arabia are seen as a diplomatic signal that Sudan intends to prioritise alliances and stability over the strategic naval arrangement.
For now, the Red Sea facility’s future appears uncertain as regional and international actors continue to press for an end to the civil war and a negotiated settlement in Sudan.
The announcement comes amid ongoing civil conflict, external diplomatic pressure and strategic recalibration by Khartoum.
The Russian facility, which had been discussed in earlier years under agreements dating back to 2017, was expected to be the Kremlin’s first African naval installation and a strategic foothold on the Red Sea — a vital international shipping corridor.
Reports had suggested talks would advance a 25-year arrangement for a base at Port Sudan or a nearby coastal site, potentially allowing Moscow to station personnel and warships along Africa’s eastern seaboard.
However, sources say this project has been suspended and that recent media claims of construction are inaccurate.
Burhan conveyed the decision during discussions in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the freeze would remain in place while Sudan pursues broader efforts to de-escalate the conflict and build regional support for peace.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have been engaged diplomatically in Sudan, promoting ceasefires, humanitarian access and regional stability amid the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
Analysts say Sudan’s move reflects a careful balancing act: avoiding a formal military commitment to any major power while preserving strategic autonomy.
Regional governments, including Riyadh and Cairo, have expressed concerns about great-power competition in the Red Sea and the impact a permanent Russian naval footprint could have on security dynamics.
Western capitals, especially Washington, have also warned of serious consequences if Moscow were to establish an expansive military presence in Port Sudan.
While the base project remains on hold, Burhan’s assurances to Saudi Arabia are seen as a diplomatic signal that Sudan intends to prioritise alliances and stability over the strategic naval arrangement.
For now, the Red Sea facility’s future appears uncertain as regional and international actors continue to press for an end to the civil war and a negotiated settlement in Sudan.
