Russia vows to continuously support Burundi amid blockade of supply channels
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol VI, Issue #212 | Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Dear Readers,
In a statement to the media on Monday, June 13, 2022, Russia's Day, the Russian Ambassador to Burundi Mr. Valery Mikhailov announced that Russia is working with the Government of Burundi to study the simplest ways to import drugs, oil, and fertilizers from Russia.
Amb. Valery Mikhailov points out that the fact that the drugs, oil, and fertilizers were not supplied to Burundi was due to a problem with the existing supply channel lines being closed due to sanctions, but assured that all possible measures are being taken to bring these goods to Burundi.
Western countries mainly from Europe and the United States have decided to impose economic sanctions that have prevented Russia from exporting oil, gas, food, and fertilizer to other countries, which have previously had an impact on a global scale and especially on African countries.
However, Mikhailov warns that sanctions against Russia will not prevent Russia from continuing to work closely with Burundi in resolving the issues on both sides.
According to Amb. Valery Mikhailov, Russia's economic and social sanctions, are pushing up the price of white food and fertilizer.
“All of this stems from the negative selfish policies of Western countries”, said Amb. Valery Mikhailov,
He further added that Russia was in talks with non-sanctioned countries such as China, Brazil, India, and South Africa to help deliver food and other goods to its destinations.
Burundi's position on Russia vs Ukraine war
During a lively press conference held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Ntare Rushatsi Presidential Palace, President Evariste said that Burundi remains neutral and not aligned with the Russian-Ukraine conflict.
Speaking of the question relating to the Russian Government's offer to provide Burundi with fuel and fertilizer support, the President of the Republic reaffirmed that: "Burundi will always be part of the solutions, not conflict. Its motto is to bring solutions to the countries that need them. However, Burundi is rebuilding itself and will not reject an offer of support. »
Exchanges between Burundi and Russia
According to the observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), an online data visualization and distribution platform focused on the geography and dynamics of economic activities:
In 2020, Russia exported $7.01M to Burundi. The main products that Russia exported to Burundi are Wheat ($4.63M), Phosphatic Fertilizers ($2.13M), and Cars ($106k). During the last 25 years, the exports of Russia to Burundi have increased at an annualized rate of 18%, from $113k in 1995 to $7.01M in 2020.
In 2020, Burundi exported $862k to Russia. The main products that Burundi exported to Russia were Coffee ($853k), Refined Petroleum ($7.45k), and Centrifuges ($562). During the last 25 years, the exports of Burundi to Russia have increased at an annualized rate of 3.67%, from $350k in 1995 to $862k in 2020.
In 2020, Russia ranked 43 in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI 0.5), and 13 in total exports ($330B). That same year, Burundi ranked 175 in total exports ($218M)
In 2019, the products from Russia that paid the highest import tariffs to enter Burundi were Ethyl alcohol and other spirits, denatured (69k%) and Undenatured ethyl alcohol > 80% by volume (37.4k%).
In 2019, the products from Burundi that paid the highest import tariffs to enter Russia were Raw sugar, beet (100%), and Sugar: cane sugar, raw, in solid form.
Diplomatic relations between Burundi and Russia
Relations between Burundi and the Russian Federation date back to 1962 and have never ceased to intensify. Sectors of cooperation between Burundi and Russia include education, security, and training. Since the beginning of cooperation between Burundi, Russia has already trained more than 4,000 Burundians. Russia has granted 20 scholarships to young Burundians and 35 scholarships to Burundian soldiers and the number of Burundian scholarship holders is expected to increase.
Thanks for reading!
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief | RegionWeek.com