Russia pledges support for Sudanese military-led government

April 29, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov wrapped up his visit to Sudan on Monday, where he voiced Moscow’s support for the military-led government.

Bogdanov, who also serves as a special representative for the Middle East and Africa, spent two days in Sudan, where he met with Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Sudanese army chief.

After the meeting, Sudan’s Acting Foreign Ministry Undersecretary stated, “The Russian envoy’s visit signals solidarity with the Sudanese government and people. During his meeting with the head of the Sovereign Council today, he conveyed the Russian leadership’s support for Sudan.” He added that Russia expressed support for the current leadership structure, the Sovereign Council. The Undersecretary highlighted the potential for the visit to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Previously, Sudan accused the now-disbanded private Wagner Group of aiding the Rapid Support Forces, currently engaged in a year-long conflict with the Sudanese army. However, Moscow replaced Wagner with the state-controlled paramilitary group, the Africa Corps.

For his part, Bogdanov expressed Russia’s desire for broader cooperation with Sudan. He conveyed greetings from President Putin to al-Burhan and emphasized the mutual political will to strengthen their partnership. The Russian envoy highlighted potential collaboration in the economic, commercial, and training sectors, offering Russia’s experience and expertise to Sudan.

Notably, earlier this month, data from LSEG indicated that Russia began supplying diesel fuel to Sudan.