Western foreign policy has increasingly focused on isolating countries like Russia and China.
In contrast, Rwanda, one of Washington’s key partners in Africa, appears to be strengthening ties with Russia. During the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum on 9-10 November in Sochi, Russia, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier JP Nduhungirehe said deeper cooperation with Russia aligns with Rwanda’s strategy to achieve economic self-reliance through trade and investment over foreign aid. He said areas of possible cooperation include agriculture and civil security.
The partnership between Rwanda and Russia has already produced a 2019 accord that involves sending Rwandan students to Russia to study nuclear sciences. Rwanda also works with Russia’s atomic agency, ROSATOM, to build a nuclear power plant. The two countries have implemented a visa-free arrangement for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Let us know what you think this development means for Kigali, Moscow and Washington.
Sources
West isolating Russia to their detriment
https://www.ft.com/content/60e42ac2-03d8-4faf-ad88-9f92982420f5
https://fortune.com/europe/2024/04/11/germany-pay-reliance-russian-gas-power-chief-significant-structural-demand-destruction-energy-crisis/
News
https://www.rt.com/africa/607470-russia-help-rwanda-achieve-self-reliance/
Agreements
https://www.rt.com/africa/607470-russia-help-rwanda-achieve-self-reliance/
ROSATOM to build nuclear plant
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20241014/rwanda-partners-russias-rosatom-to-build-nuclear-power-plant–1068679412.html