March 2, 2022 (KHARTOUM)- Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo “Hemetti” on Wednesday said that Sudan’s military rulers have no objection to the establishment of a Russian military base on the Red Sea if that is in Sudan’s interest.
Hemetti returned to Khartoum on Wednesday ending a six-day visit that coincided with the launch of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
While he is Moscow, he agreed with the Russian officials to reactivate all the bilateral agreements signed by the two countries.
Speaking to the media about his visit, he said that Sudanese have to put their interest first when it comes to the Russian base in Port Sudan.
“We have 730 kilometres along the Red Sea. If any country wants to open a base and it is in our interests and doesn’t threaten our national security we have no problem in dealing with anyone, Russian or otherwise,” he said
“The decision on this issue is in the hands of the defence minister. So, it is not under my responsibility. But if there is any benefit from the base, in addition to its commitment to the community responsibility, for the people of eastern Sudan, we do not object to its establishment,” he stressed.
The Sudanese official further pointed to the Russian military presence in other “African countries” as he said, before wondering, “Why this focus on Sudan… We do not have a problem if this (base) does not threaten our national security.”
Hemetti statements about the Russian naval base are the first clear support by the Sudanese military for the Logistical Support Centre” for the Russian Navy in Port Sudan.
Previously, Sudanese officials repeated that the deal was under review.
The military naval base is crucial for Russian expansion in Africa as Sudan provides direct access to the landlocked Central African Republic where Russian companies are working in diamond mining with a strong military presence through the Wagner group.
In September 2018, Russia announced plans to build a naval logistical centre in Eritrea but the project is facing strong regional opposition from the Gulf countries.
In Sudan, also, the Gulf countries prefer that al-Burhan abandon this agreement because it puts their security at risk.
Before the coup d’etat, the civilian government of the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) were opposed to the Russian naval deal and agreed with the military to postpone it until its approval by the parliament.
On Wednesday, the FFC issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rejected the Russian meddling in Sudan’s internal affairs saying it does not serve the interests of the country.
In a visit to Russia in November 2017, ousted President al-Bashir offered to President Vladimir Putin to establish a military base on the Red Sea saying Sudan need Russian protection to faces “major pressure and conspiracy from the United States.”
(ST)