Russia to build nuclear power plant in Sudan

Russia on 21 December 2017 signed an agreement with Sudan to build a nuclear power plant in the nation. The information was shared by Russia’s nuclear agency Rosatom.

The deal was signed by Rusatom Overseas, a branch of Rosatom and Sudan's electricity ministry in Khartoum, the capital city of Sudan. The agreement follows up on the high-level meeting that took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir in November 2017.

Significance

The development of nuclear technology will allow Sudan to deal with its energy security problem.

The agreement also has strategic implications, as it will determine the nature of relations between Russia and Sudan for a long time to come.

Background

• During Vladimir Putin’s visit to Sudan, the Sudanese President had asked for Russia to protect Sudan from the "aggressive acts" of the United States.

• Bashir also expressed his wish to strengthen military ties with Russia and praised Moscow's military campaign in Syria.

• The Sudanese President is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Darfur, which claimed at least 300,000 lives.

• The ICC issued arrest warrants against the leader in 2009 and 2010. However, Bashir denies the charges and has evaded arrest.

The construction of the Nuclear power plant will be initiated after feasible study that includes an examination of the choice of site and defining of key parameters such as timing and funding.

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