BRICS can bring to Africa more independence and more freedom, Hyacinthe Wendlarima Ouedraogo, a member of the Burkinabe Initiative Group for the Refoundation of the Fatherland, told Sputnik Africa.
It means that African countries can "reposition" themselves economically, especially since relations between Russia and the continent are flourishing, the expert said.
"This is a very good thing because we know that for several years now, Russia has maintained privileged relations with many African countries. Diplomacy between Russia and African countries is going through a positive period. So let Russia be at the head of this organization which also participates in the economic balance of the world, [...] in finding other alternatives to the American system," Ouedraogo argued.
"[...] We know that certain African countries are looking for alternatives in international global transactions, alternatives in terms of economic partnership, [and] Russian presidency sounds like a [chance] that these African countries could use to better position themselves," the expert noted.
Russia said that it will persist in advancing all facets of the BRICS collaboration, encompassing politics and security, business and finance, and cultural and humanitarian interactions.
Among other goals, Russia named strengthening the influence of BRICS in the global monetary system, developing interbank cooperation and promoting the use of national currencies in mutual trade.