Sudan is a treasure trove of untapped resources – vast reserves of gold, iron ore and other precious minerals. However, the country’s ongoing civil war and profound political instability suffocate its economic potential and keep out FDI.
If Putin wants to quickly develop Port Sudan as an alternative to Russia's naval base in Syria, he may need to finally pick a side and align with the SAF, who control the area. Meanwhile, Russia is already landing military aircraft in Libya.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has revealed a troubling connection to Colombia, with over 300 former Colombian soldiers reportedly involved in the war as mercenaries.
"It is noteworthy how little concerted political will there has been to halt the illicit flow of profits from the exploitation of gold resources in Africa into the Russian war machine," the World Gold Council report says.
Air France suspended flights over the Red Sea after a crew reported seeing a "luminous object" at high altitude near Sudan.