Alwaght- Geopolitical changes in the world are pushing the developing nations to more convergence and finding new allies in various areas. Meanwhile, African countries, which have turned into a competition ground of the world powers due to their capacities, resources, and strategic position, in recent years have embarked on reviewing their foreign policy.
Sudan is one of these countries that despite being scene to a civil war in recent years has prioritized "look East" policy.
In the period after toppling of long-serving President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan has not seen political stability and has been a setting for political and social confrontation of the regular army and the militias and this, by the way, has become the motivation for shift of approach in the foreign policy of the army-backed government in the capital Khartoum.
One of the reflections of this policy shift is the mending of Tehran-Khartoum ties after years of chill.
Now, more than a year after the normalization of relations between Tehran and Khartoum, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf’s visit to Tehran on February 17, which saw the two sides sining agreements on visa waivers for diplomatic and service passport holders and the formation of a joint political committee, marks another important step in the restoration of relations.
Analysts believe that Sudan is seeking to rebalance its regional relations by moving closer to Iran. This approach could help the North African country achieve a new balance in the region.
What's driving Sudan's shift?
After fall of al-Bashir, Sudan has become a scene for inter-Arab rivalry, with Muslim Brotherhood factions being supported by Saudi Arabia and rivals backed by the UAE.
Sudan had earlier even participated in the Saudi-led military coalition against Yemen, but with the changing domestic and regional conditions and as it understands global realities and gets out of the yoke of Arab regimes, it is seeking to improve relations with the Iran-Russia-China triangle.
It is noteworthy that the Sudanese FM's visit to Tehran comes less than a week after his visit to Moscow and the agreement to provide a naval base to Russia on the Red Sea coast, indicating that the leaders of Khartoum have placed the policy of drift to the East at the top of their agenda. Therefore, renewed closeness to Iran will help Sudan reduce its dependence on the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf and have more options in its foreign policy.
Sudan came under pressure from Western countries and some regional countries after the military coup and internal unrest. Therefore, Khartoum wants to avoid excessive dependence on one or two countries and have more options in its diplomacy. Therefore, re-establishing relations with Iran, Russia, and China will allow it to play a more independent role in regional politics and strengthen its domestic position in the political, military, and economic areas against the unwritten Western, Arab, and Israeli alliance in support of the rebels known as the Rapid Reaction Forces.
Just as some African countries have strengthened their relations with Russia and China by expelling Western forces from their countries in recent years, Sudan, aware of the destabilizing role of the West in overthrowing the established government, has adopted a policy of engagement with the East.
On the other hand, sanctions and decreased financial assistance from Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pushed Sudan to find new partners, among them Iran that despite the Western sanctions has managed to make progress in technology and industries like energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals and can help Sudan beat the challenges.
Also, closer ties to Iran can give Sudan leverage over the Persian Gulf countries to gain more concessions from them. This policy is similar to the strategy that some regional countries adopt to create a balance in their relations with different powers.
Sudan has faced internal unrest and security threats in recent years, and since Iran has extensive experience in military industries and asymmetric warfare, it can be useful for the Sudanese army. Also, due to Iran's defense capabilities in manufacturing modern weapons, especially drones, cooperation with the Islamic Republic can be fruitful in providing Khartoum with weapons and defense technologies.
Sudan significance to Iran
Since countries pursue their national interests in any political relationship, Iran also pursues goals in rebuilding relations with Sudan.
Sudan has long coastlines on the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, and various countries compete for influence in this region, and this strategic position allows Iran to strengthen its presence in this important waterway, which is the world's vital trade and energy route. This issue offers Tehran maneuverablity power in this region at a time when Ansarallah Movement of Yemen has opened a new page in the fight against the Israeli-Western camp in the Red Sea.
Given that Sudan has stopped the policy of normalizing relations with the Israeli regime and is on the path of divergence from the Persian Gulf monarchies, this issue will automatically push it towards convergence with the Iran-led Axis of Resistance, and this country could be the first base for anti-Israeli groups in the Horn of Africa.
Also, Iran is seeking to engage in security and military relations with countries that can play a role in regional equations. Sudan, especially in the past years, has had close military and intelligence ties to some regional countries and can be of avails to Iran in this case.
Sudan has natural resources, including oil, mines, and vast agricultural lands. Iran can tap into new markets by expanding economic cooperation and investing in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture of Sudan.
In addition, Sudan can serve as a gateway for Iran to further influence in Africa. Tehran has also made efforts in the past to expand cultural, economic, and political ties in Africa, and Sudan is an important base for this strategy.
Sudan’s closeness to Iran could create a new balance in its relations with other regional players. Sudan had been close to some Persian Gulf states in the past, but has recently sought to diversify its relations of which Iran could take advantage.
In general, Sudan is a potential partner for Iran in economic, political, and security fields and closer bilateral ties can provide their mutual interests.
