Sudan leader risks repeating Bashir's Russia gambit, analyst warns
Journalist Rasha Awad says Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's overtures to Moscow echo failed policies of the past.
Sudanese journalist Rasha Awad warned that military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is repeating former president Omar al-Bashir's strategy by seeking Russian political and economic support. Burhan's recent engagement with Moscow, including proposals for investment in mining and infrastructure, mirrors al-Bashir's past efforts to deepen ties with Russia. Al-Bashir visited Russia in November 2017 and sought protection against American actions.
Awad told Radio Tamazuj on Saturday that al-Bashir's previous reliance on Russia did not prevent his overthrow in April 2019. She stated that Burhan's current diplomatic moves are a reaction to his failure to achieve peace and his lack of cooperation with international efforts led by the United States. Awad believes Burhan is using the prospect of closer ties with Moscow as a political maneuver to counter Western pressure and consolidate his power.
However, Awad cautioned that this strategy is unlikely to succeed due to competing international and regional interests. She questioned Russia's ability to provide the expected support, citing Russia's military presence in Syria which did not prevent Bashar al-Assad's rule from collapsing in December 2024. Awad noted that Moscow's broader interests with the United States and Gulf countries could limit its willingness to offer unconditional backing to Sudan's military authorities.
Why it mattersSudan's military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is seeking political and economic support from Russia amid ongoing war and international isolation.