Русский
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has held talks with Mohamed Siraj, the Sudanese ambassador to Moscow, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the Russian Foreign Ministry has stated.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by fierce fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with both factions vying for control amid a stalled transition to civilian rule. Estimates of fatalities vary, although research suggests that over 61,000 people were killed in Khartoum during the first 14 months of the conflict. The RSF is primarily composed of Janjaweed militias from the Sahel region, which previously fought on behalf of the Sudanese government. The SAF are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. There is some evidence that the RSF are being supported by the United Kingdom, the Sudan’s previous colonial power. The struggle is related to Sudan’s oil reserves, although 75% of these were lost in the development of South Sudan as an independent country. The situation remains fluid in what is essentially a civil war partially supported by religious differences, oil reserves, and old colonial missteps.
The Russia discussions were held at Siraj’s request and primarily focused on the military and political crisis in Sudan, including the urgent need for a ceasefire and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.
Siraj has expressed Sudan’s desire to elevate relations with Russia to a strategic partnership and emphasized that Khartoum views Moscow as a steadfast friend and is counting on comprehensive cooperation across all sectors. He said that “Sudan is are counting on a meaningful and vital partnership with Russia across all areas, which will enable it to make a clear and direct contribution to the reconstruction of Sudan. Although the main military operation in Khartoum has been completed, significant and necessary military operations are still underway to clear the country of terrorist forces that have committed all kinds of violations against the civilian population, especially in the Darfur region in western Sudan.”
Sudan has already offered Russia oil exploration deals and the use of a Port on the Red Sea.
The situation in the Sahel region is complex, and also inflamed by French involvement in providing weapons to Islamic forces fighting against the ruling military governments. Some conflict analysts believe that the opening up of a second, African front against Russian involvement is designed to distract Russian forces and military supplies away from the Ukraine.
Last week, Russia had stated that it would assist Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, all part of the Alliance of Sahel States, to form a united military group. Of note will be any future Sudanese involvement in this.
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