Signs of a military race between the US and Russia are emerging in Sudan, with Washington working to fail an agreement signed by the North African country and Moscow to set up a naval base in Port Sudan, a deal which would give Russian forces a small but significant toehold on the Red Sea.
The US has rushed to express its desire to establish close military cooperation with Sudan, a move which translates into the West vetoing the latter’s warming ties with Russia.
“The Defense Attaché Office at the US Embassy continues to work with the Sudanese Armed Forces to strengthen bilateral military relations,” the US embassy in Khartoum said in a Facebook post.
“The removal of Sudan from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list marks a fundamental and historic change. We look forward to opportunities that will enhance military cooperation in the future,” it added.
“On December 18, 2020, the Secretary of State published an announcement in the Federal Register on the rescission of Sudan's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. We look forward to a new era of cooperation with Sudan,” it highlighted.
Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Sudan at the US embassy in Khartoum Jake Day on Sunday had met with the commander of the Sudanese naval forces Major General Haj Ahmed Youssef.
The two sides discussed means to boost military cooperation, especially with the Sudanese navy.
Last November, Russia had announced plans to establish a military logistics hub for nuclear warships and to station its vessels in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, allowing it to ferry weapons in and out of the African nation.
It is worth noting that Russia has been in talks with the Sudanese government over basing arrangements since 2017.
The final agreement provides the Russian Navy with access to Port Sudan for a period of 25 years, with automatic renewal every decade thereafter.
It may keep up to four naval vessels at a time at the port, including nuclear-powered vessels - an important consideration for Russia's submarine fleet.
For logistics, Russian forces have permission to use Sudanese ports and airports to deliver any needed "weapons and equipment" to keep the port running. On-base manning is limited to 300 Russian personnel.
