Sudan leader Burhan risks repeating Bashir's Russia gambit, analyst warns
Journalist Rasha Awad warns that seeking Russian investment mirrors former president Omar al-Bashir's failed strategy.
Sudanese journalist Rasha Awad warned on Saturday that military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan risks repeating former president Omar al-Bashir's mistakes by seeking political and economic support from Russia. Awad stated that Burhan's proposals for Russian investment in mining, infrastructure, and a Red Sea economic zone echo al-Bashir's past overtures to Moscow. Al-Bashir visited Russia in November 2017, seeking protection from American actions and proposing military cooperation.
Awad told Radio Tamazuj that al-Bashir's pursuit of closer ties with Russia did not prevent his overthrow in April 2019 following nationwide protests. She argued that renewed engagement with Moscow is a reaction to Burhan's failure to achieve peace and his lack of cooperation with international efforts, particularly those led by the United States. Awad believes Burhan is using the prospect of Russian alliance as a political maneuver to counter Western pressure.
The analyst questioned Russia's ability to provide the expected political and military backing, citing international and regional balances that she believes will prevent Russia from establishing a presence on the Red Sea. Awad pointed to Russia's military base in Syria, noting it did not prevent Bashar al-Assad's rule from collapsing in December 2024. She suggested Moscow's broader interests with the United States and Gulf countries would limit its unconditional support for Sudan's authorities.
Why it mattersSudanese citizens are affected as their leader's pursuit of Russian support risks deepening international isolation and failing to secure peace.