Sudan's strategy against the Russian base – The face of truth – ✍️ Ibrahim Shaqlawi
In light of the growing challenges facing our country, current circumstances require bold strategic decisions from Sudanese leaders in light of the ongoing war and regional and international threats that are forcing our country to reconsider its foreign relations. In this context, the possible Russian base on the Red Sea coast could represent a decisive step towards strengthening Sudanese national security. In this article, we try to address the issue in all its dimensions, against the backdrop of the statement of the Sudanese ambassador to Russia in the middle of last week, according to which Sudan did not refuse to establish a Russian naval base and that he studies the question. question in light of evolving relations with Russia.
It is important to consider Sudan's interest in establishing this base in the security and geographic context and the threats facing the country. Since the outbreak of war, which exposed major international conspiracies being hatched against Sudan to fragment its internal unity, Khartoum is now in dire need of strong military support to deal with growing threats from the Sudanese militia. rapid support and from its local and regional supporters. . Given the weakness of the country's economy and the lack of military capabilities, cooperation with Russia is considered a strategic option without any other calculation than that of preserving the Sudanese state. We also know that the Russian military base can provide air support by upgrading Sudanese fighter jets and advanced drones, in addition to providing Sudan with advanced weapons and vital intelligence via Russian satellites.
In addition to exchanging strategic information on the Rapid Support Militia, sponsored and trained by Wagner during a previous period, these capabilities are seen as crucial to helping Sudan deal with internal threats, and military cooperation with Russia could strengthen Sudanese defense capabilities in the face of external threats. risks, whether linked to regional threats or international interventions. It is also known that the Red Sea is one of the most strategic sea lanes in the world, as it connects the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. This corridor is a vital artery for international trade but has also become a hotbed of competition between great powers, including the United States and Russia. Therefore, the presence of a Russian base on the Red Sea coast not only strengthens Sudanese defense capabilities, but also reflects a change in Sudan's strategic role in the region. Hosting the Russian base could make Sudan a fulcrum in the balance of forces in the Red Sea, thus strengthening its strategic independence vis-à-vis the great powers.
This base could also serve regional stability, particularly in the fight against piracy and international terrorism, threats which affect all countries bordering the Red Sea. This is explained by the developed relations between Sudan and Russia, which are characterized by cooperation and flexibility, as this period witnesses a good diplomatic and political rapprochement taking into account Russia's recent use of its veto power to support Sudan in the Security Council and its failure. the opportunity to undermine its sovereignty. There is also economic cooperation that has emerged in the recent period through the exchange of visits between the two sides. Therefore, in light of continued Western pressure on Sudan, including chronic economic sanctions and demands to achieve a democratic transition in line with the Western vision, cooperation with Russia constitutes a strategic option for Sudan to preserve its independence and sovereignty.
It must therefore be considered that Russia's agreement to provide military and technical support within the framework of the naval base is not just a relationship based on security interests, but rather a long-term partnership that can be built on geopolitical and economic interests. Given Sudan's economic resources, at a time when Sudan is suffering from Western isolation, Russia represents an opportunity for strategic partnership in arms, energy and infrastructure, particularly in the aftermath of 'a war. This step may encounter some difficulties, but it remains an important sovereign decision which is not subject to any blackmail or influence, taking into account the international positions on the Russian base, in particular the United States and the European Union, which always seek to reduce Russia's influence in strategic areas. .
Therefore, in this context, Western pressure on Sudan risks increasing to prevent Russia from granting a military base in the Red Sea. This pressure could take the form of additional sanctions or political campaigns aimed at isolating Sudan from its potential partners. Therefore, our country must understand that maintaining its independence and sovereignty at this stage requires cooperation with new partners far from Western hegemony. Therefore, the Russian base does not simply represent a military option, but rather is part of a broader strategy to emphasize independence and freedom from the restrictions imposed on the country by Western sanctions. Therefore, considering all the previous factors, it is clear that Sudan has an interest in cooperating with Russia and providing a naval base on the Red Sea coast or a refueling or maintenance point, whatever the names are. . However, this issue has become important. at a time when our country is facing complex internal and external crises that threaten the existence of… The state itself therefore considers the Russian base as an opportunity to provide strong military protection in the face of internal and regional.
So, according to what we see in reality, the Russian military base in the Red Sea is not just a naval base, but rather a key to a security strategy and national interest for Sudan, because it allows it to face internal and external threats. and strengthen the stability of the State. Despite the potential risks associated with Western pressure, the Sudanese decision to support this base remains important because it represents a vital strategic choice to guarantee independence and national security at a critical stage in Sudan's history.
May you always be well.
Sunday December 29, 2024 AD. (email protected)
