In a move seen as a show of support for Sudan’s army, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov visited the country on Monday.
This visit comes amidst a year-long power struggle between the Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Bogdanov met with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the Sudanese army, in Port Sudan, a city that has become a base for the military since the RSF took control of significant areas in the capital, Khartoum.
The Sudanese Sovereign Council, led by Burhan, released a statement suggesting Bogdanov’s visit could pave the way for increased cooperation between Russia and Sudan. Notably, the statement emphasized Russia’s support for “the existing legitimacy” represented by the Council.
Russia’s stance in the Sudanese conflict has been unclear. While supporting the military now, Russia previously maintained ties with RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), who visited Moscow just before the Ukraine invasion in 2022.
Additionally, Western diplomats accused Russia’s private military group, Wagner, of involvement in gold mining and spreading disinformation in Sudan last year.
Though Wagner claims to have left Sudan in 2023, recent Russian diesel deliveries to the country raise further questions.
This visit by Bogdanov suggests Russia may be solidifying its support for Sudan’s military.
However, with ongoing uncertainty about past ties and continued economic interests, Russia’s ultimate role in the Sudanese conflict remains to be seen.