Sudan’s military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan arrived in Moscow on Thursday to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, as the Port Sudan authorities seek to strengthen political, military and economic ties with Russia.
Burhan is leading a high-level delegation to the two-day gathering, which opened on Wednesday under the theme “For Peace, Security and Development.”
The summit has brought together more than 20 African leaders and representatives from approximately 48 countries as Moscow seeks to expand its diplomatic influence, security partnerships and economic presence across Africa.
According to a statement from Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Burhan is expected to address the gathering on regional developments and opportunities for greater cooperation between Russia and African countries.
His delegation includes the foreign and finance ministers, the director of the General Intelligence Service and the head of Sudan’s Defence Industries System, reflecting the strategic importance of the visit.
Moscow strengthens ties with Port Sudan
The visit comes amid deepening relations between Moscow and Sudan’s military-led authorities, particularly in defence cooperation and diplomatic coordination.
Russia has emerged as an important international partner for the Port Sudan administration, offering diplomatic support at the United Nations Security Council as Sudan’s devastating conflict continues.
In November 2024, Moscow vetoed a draft Security Council resolution addressing the war in Sudan and has opposed proposals to extend the existing UN arms embargo beyond Darfur.
The Port Sudan authorities have welcomed Russia’s position, viewing Moscow as a strategic partner capable of providing political backing and opportunities for expanded military and economic cooperation.
For Russia, the summit forms part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen relations with African governments and promote its vision of a multipolar international order.
Burhan’s participation also comes as Sudan’s military seeks to reinforce its international partnerships while the country remains divided by a war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Moscow gathering provides an opportunity for the Port Sudan administration to pursue closer engagement with Russia at a time when international efforts to secure a negotiated settlement to Sudan’s conflict remain deadlocked.
