**US Issues Warning Over Russia’s Naval Base Plans in Sudan**
The United States has issued a stern warning to any country or individual involved in Russia’s plans to establish a naval base in Sudan. According to a State Department spokesperson, those who help Moscow achieve its goal could face “serious consequences,” including sanctions.
This sharp departure from the US government’s typically measured tone is a clear indication of Washington’s concern over Russia’s expanding military presence in Africa. The warning marks a significant shift in the tone of recent exchanges between the US and Russia, signaling a growing unease with Moscow’s intentions on the continent.
**Russia’s Naval Base Plans**
For years, Russia has sought to establish a strategic Red Sea outpost, and a draft agreement to build a naval base in Port Sudan first surfaced in 2020. The proposed deal would have allowed up to four Russian warships and 300 personnel to be stationed in Sudan for 25 years, in exchange for military support and arms supplies.
Although the original agreement was never ratified, talks resumed this year, with Sudanese and Russian officials claiming to have reached an understanding on the base’s construction. This move has been met with concern from Western powers, including the US, which accuse Russia of supporting both sides in Sudan’s internal conflict.
**US Concerns**
The Biden administration had previously accused Russia of backing both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exacerbating the country’s internal conflict. The Trump administration, on the other hand, had taken a more measured approach to the issue.
Now, with the latest warning from the US government, it seems that Washington is taking a firmer stance against Russia’s plans in Sudan. As a key player in the region, Sudan has become a focal point in the geopolitical contest between Western and Russian influence.
**Regional Implications**
Sudan’s strategic location and its internal conflict have made it an attractive target for various external powers. The presence of Ukrainian military teams helping Sudanese forces repel Wagner Group-backed RSF fighters in March 2024 highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries at play in the region.
The US warning over Russia’s naval base plans in Sudan is a significant development, underscoring Washington’s concerns about Moscow’s expanding military footprint on the African continent. As tensions between Western powers and Russia continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this latest move will impact the complex dynamics of the region.
