SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune – Sudanese diplomat confirms commitment to Russian naval base on Red Sea

1/6/2024: Sudan Tribune – Sudanese diplomat confirms commitment to Russian naval base on Red Sea

Sudan Tribune report that Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Siraj, reaffirmed Sudan’s dedication to constructing a Russian naval base on the Red Sea.

Sudan previously delayed implementing the agreement citing the need for ratification by an elected parliament but the external support for the Rapid Support militia (RSF) prompted the military-led government to reconsider its position.

Saudi Arabia had pressed Sudan to not allow the establishment of a Russian base on the other side of the Red Sea, but it is believed that the inability or unwillingness of Washington and Riyadh to persuade their regional allies to cease support for the RSF drove the government to seek assistance from Iran and Russia to acquire necessary weapons.

The Sudanese Congress Party opposes the Russian military base arguing that the “Port Sudan” government lacks legitimacy, the base jeopardises Sudan’s sovereignty, and contradicts the principle of maintaining a balanced foreign policy.

SUDAN NEWS ALERT: Sudan Tribune – Clashes reignite in El-Fasher, Killing 11 Civilians

1/6/2024: Sudan Tribune – Clashes reignite in El-Fasher, Killing 11 Civilians

Sudan Tribune report that fierce clashes erupted in El-Fashir as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), allied armed groups, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified.

The renewed violence resulted in the deaths of approximately 11 civilians and left dozens injured, amid heavy artillery shelling of residential areas by the RSF and SAF airstrikes.

Volunteer Mubarak Suleiman informed Sudan Tribune about casualties and injuries caused by RSF artillery fire on neighbourhoods and an ongoing mass exodus of residents from El-Fasher towards neighbouring localities.

A medical source revealed to Sudan Tribune that Sayed Al-Shuhada Medical Center, recently reopened through community efforts, received approximately 11 bodies and 42 injured individuals due to RSF shelling.

RSF claims to have taken Al-Wahda neighbourhood in south El-Fashir were disputed by a joint forces field commander who said the militia’s attack was repelled in collaboration with SAF and Popular Resistance forces.