Sudan’s Burhan reiterates commitment to Russian naval base

November 1, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – The head of the Sudanese junta Monday reiterated his commitment to a deal signed by the former regime with the Russian government on the construction of a Russian naval base on the Red Sea.

“The creation of this base is part of an existing agreement. We keep regularly discussing the matter, and there are some faults that have to be remedied. We are committed to international agreements and will continue to implement them to the end,” al-Burhan told the Russian news service Sputnik.

In April 2021, Sudan has suspended an agreement with Russia providing to establish a military base on the Red Sea, until its approval by the Transitional Legislative Council.

One month later, Khartoum requested Russia to evacuate all equipment and gears sent to Port Sudan to establish a military base on the Red Sea.

Following the military takeover on 25 October, Moscow did not join the regional and international condemnation of the military coup and implicitly offered its support to Gen al-Burhan.

On 25 October, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova pointed out that the military takeover was the result of the government’s “failed policy” that ignored the demands of the Sudanese people.

“The despair and plight of the overwhelming majority of the population were virtually ignored by the interim authorities and their foreign patrons and consultants,” Zakharova stressed.

She further added that Russia would respect the choice of the Sudanese people and provide them with all necessary support.

(ST)