Historic Defence Deal: Sudan Allows Russia to Establish First Naval Base in Africa Near Port Sudan

Sudan and Russia have signed a historic agreement allowing Russia to establish its first-ever naval base in Africa. This agreement grants Moscow a strong strategic position on the Red Sea, which is one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.

The deal was finalized in Moscow between the Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef Ahmed al-Sharif and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Historic Defence Deal: Sudan Allows Russia to Establish First Naval Base in Africa Near Port Sudan

Strategic Location and Geopolitical Impact

• Location: The base will be located near Port Sudan, a crucial point along the Red Sea route leading to the Suez Canal.
• Trade Significance: This waterway handles approximately 12% of global trade, making the base strategically significant for global trade control and naval power projection.
• Global Presence: The new Russian facility establishes a presence near existing naval facilities operated by global powers like the US and China.

Key Details of the Agreement

The defence agreement includes specific terms regarding personnel and vessels:

• Duration: The agreement is valid for 25 years and will automatically extend for another 10 years unless either country raises an objection.
• Personnel Limit: Russia is allowed to station up to 300 personnel at the base.
• Naval Vessels: Russia can bring in a maximum of four naval vessels at any time, including nuclear-powered ships.

Russia’s Motivation

The base strengthens Russia’s global naval reach and provides a crucial backup location as access to its existing naval facility in Tartus, Syria, faces geopolitical uncertainties. This deal is also a diplomatic success for Moscow, expanding its military footprint outside its traditional sphere of influence.

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Question & Answer

Q1. Which African country has signed an agreement with Russia to host its first naval base on the continent?
A) Egypt
B) Eritrea
C) Sudan
D) Somalia
Answer: C) Sudan

Q2. The new Russian naval base will be established near which key port city on the Red Sea?
A) Cairo
B) Port Sudan
C) Khartoum
D) Dar es Salaam
Answer: B) Port Sudan

Q3. The agreement allows Russia to station a maximum of how many naval vessels at the base at any given time?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Six
Answer: C) Four

Q4. The agreement for the naval base has an initial duration of how many years?
A) 10 years
B) 15 years
C) 20 years
D) 25 years
Answer: D) 25 years

Q5. Approximately what percentage of global trade passes through the Red Sea–Suez Canal route near the location of the new base?
A) 5%
B) 12%
C) 20%
D) 30%
Answer: B) 12%

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