Sudan has offered Russia a naval base in exchange for weapons, giving Moscow potential control over a key global trade route. The base would allow Russia to monitor Red Sea and Suez Canal traffic, which carries about 12% of global trade. Khartoum reportedly proposed hosting up to 300 Russian personnel and four warships for 25 years, in return for discounted Russian air-defense systems and other weapons. Moscow could also gain access to valuable mining concessions in Sudan, Africa’s third-largest gold producer.

Posted by Fred Bassett