class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>
The Sudanese military SAF and the paramilitary RSF fight relentlessly for the capital Khartoum. The fighting, which has been going on for three days, has left more than 180 dead and 1,800 wounded, according to AFP news agency. A cause for concern for countries from west to east.
Because Sudan is rich – especially in mineral resources. Extensive oil and gold reserves have given the country international importance. Russia in particular is interested in Sudanese gold. The Russian mercenary group Wagner led by boss Yevgeny Prigoshin (64) is said to be involved in trade between the two countries.
Wagner and the paramilitaries are working together
But Wagner’s men were not only involved in the gold trade. The mercenary army has built up a relationship with the rebel group RSF and its commander, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (48).
Its paramilitaries often work with the Wagner mercenaries in Sudan. They would be equipped with Russian-made weapons and ammunition. And: The Sudanese rebel leader gave permission for the construction of a Russian military base on the Red Sea.
Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin (70) has long pursued this goal. The project would give the Russian Navy easier access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Perhaps one of the reasons why the Sudanese army chief and de facto head of state Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (63) maintains good relations with the Kremlin.
The Gulf States and the West want Russia gone
Russia’s grip on the region is not only a thorn in the side of the West, but also of the surrounding Gulf states. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considered supporters of the rebels. But it seems the Gulf states don’t care who’s in power – as long as Russia isn’t.
Because these two countries have been trying for years to expand their own power in the region, writes the “FAZ”. This is mainly due to economic and financial reasons. Because these powers also want to expand their presence on the Red Sea. Russia’s growing military presence in the country is therefore inconvenient.
Russia – Friend or Foe in the Middle East?
This is surprising at first glance: after all, the Gulf states clearly focused on Russia and China last year. Recently, the leaked documents from the Pentagon proved that the UAE has become the most important strategic partner of the Putin regime in all of Africa.
The Emirates apparently helped fund Wagner’s operations in Libya and provided opportunities for Wagner to market the mined gold. Both countries – Saudi Arabia and the UAE – have not condemned the war in Ukraine either.
But when it comes to one’s own ideological and geopolitical interests in one’s own neighbourhood, an old Arab proverb seems to apply to the alliances between the two countries: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
