The disruption of grain and fertilizer supply chains as a result of anti-Russian sanctions "exacerbates the precarious situation in which Africa has already been," Burundi's Ambassador to Russia Joseph Nkurunziza told Sputnik Africa.
"Some countries are currently facing unprecedented famine," explained Nkurunziza, who was interviewed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. What's more, "the production of African farmers is significantly lower due to a lack of fertilizer, an essential component for ensuring yields."
"There is no shortage of impacts," he stressed.
Regarding Burundi's position on the conflict in Ukraine, which is at the root of the sanctions, the diplomat reiterated that "as an independent country, [Burundi] always maintains its position of neutrality."
Since Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Burundi has abstained from voting on anti-Russian resolutions at the UN.
"No country, whoever it may be, can dictate what to do. Especially when it comes to these votes at the United Nations," the ambassador noted.
Russian-Burundian Cooperation
Nkurunziza noted the "positive dynamic" in military-technical cooperation between Russia and Burundi, pointing out that communications have not ceased since Burundi's independence, regardless of the political situation.
These include the training of personnel in educational institutions, as well as the supply of armaments, military equipment and other products for military use. In addition, Russia delivers spare parts and special military training equipment.
According to the Burundian diplomat, the two countries are developing projects in other areas: from health and energy to education, scientific research, labor and employment, as well as justice, defense and security.
BRICS And The Pan-African Currency
Another sensitive issue for Africa is the facilitation of intra-continental trade. In this respect, Nkurunziza welcomed Kenyan President William Ruto's recent initiative to create a common African currency:
"This prospect of setting up a free-trade zone between this African country, advocated by our African leaders and especially those of the COMESA zone [Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa], is of the utmost importance in the pursuit of economic self-determination for the continent," he said.
The ambassador also mentioned the role of the BRICS in today's world: "Burundi has very good relations of friendship and cooperation with all the countries that make up the BRICS group. Each member country of this group has privileged and fruitful relations with Burundi, which is why, in the future, we will be able to take an interest in what is being done by these friendly countries."