Description: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Yousef in Moscow on Wednesday, 12 Feb 2025, where discussions were held regarding the establishment of a Russian naval base in the Sudanese Red Sea Coast. Russia had aimed at establishing a firmer military presence in Sudan ever since the ousting of Omar al – Bashir in 2019 who was militarily supported by Moscow. Ali Yousef has stated that everything has been agreed upon the establishment of the naval base as details on the deadline and repositioning were to be announced in the upcoming period.
Impact: Russia is currently enjoying a relatively stable geopolitical position despite economic strains and political pressure. With the reestablishment of relations with the US, the focus has immediately shifted on Africa as Russia would aim to reaffirm its presence since losing key geostrategic bases in Syria. The naval base in Sudan would be used as a regional hub as Russia would have access to key trade routes in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The naval base would reinforce Russian military presence in territorial Africa as well, since ambitions for the bolstering of ties with inland African countries have recently emerged.