Russia has finalized plans to establish its first naval base in Africa, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to expand its influence on the continent and enhance its global military footprint. The Sudanese government has confirmed the long-delayed agreement for Russia's naval base on the country's Red Sea coast, with no remaining obstacles to its implementation.

The base is intended to serve as a logistics hub for Russian warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, strengthening Russia's naval capabilities in the Red Sea and beyond. According to Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef, a final deal has been reached with Russia, and both parties are in "complete agreement" over the establishment of the port. The only step left is the ratification of the agreement, after which construction and operational planning can proceed.

Russia's decision to establish a naval base in Sudan is driven by strategic, military, and economic considerations. The Red Sea's strategic route is crucial for global commerce and defense, making it an attractive location for Russia's naval expansion. The base will provide Russia with a crucial presence in a region of growing geopolitical significance, allowing it to secure a lasting foothold in Africa's evolving security and economic landscape.

Russia's plans to establish a naval base near Port Sudan have been in the works since 2019, with the initial agreement signed in November 2020. However, the deal has faced uncertainty due to the military takeover and the outbreak of war in 2023. The proposed 25-year agreement would allow Russia to establish a naval logistics hub, hosting warships, including nuclear-powered vessels, and up to 300 personnel.

The BBC reports that Russia's interest in Port Sudan has intensified due to concerns about losing its military assets in Syria. Recently, Syria's new government terminated a treaty that allowed Russia to lease a port, which housed its only foreign naval base. This development has prompted Russia to pursue alternative strategic locations, with Port Sudan emerging as a key target.

If the agreement is implemented, Russia would join the US, China, and France in having a naval presence in the seas off the Horn of Africa, a key strategic and trading route. This move highlights Russia's strategic realignment, particularly in light of recent geopolitical shifts, including the loss of its military assets in Syria.

Russia's expansion into Africa is part of its broader efforts to increase its global influence and counterbalance the presence of other global powers. The establishment of a naval base in Sudan demonstrates Russia's ambition to secure a lasting foothold in Africa's evolving security and economic landscape, and its determination to remain a major player in global geopolitics.

As competition among global powers intensifies, Russia's move shows its willingness to adapt and secure new strategic locations to maintain its influence. The implications of this development will be closely watched, as it has the potential to reshape the balance of power in the region and beyond.