BUJUMBURA (Realist English). On July 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov paid a working visit to Burundi, during which he held talks with the country’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Foreign Minister Albert Bizimana.
The sides discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, including energy, education, healthcare and interaction on the international stage.
Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s support for the principle of “African solutions to African problems” and condemned Western interference in the affairs of the continent.
Energy and Education: Russia Expands Its Presence
Key topics of the talks were concrete projects in hydropower and nuclear energy. Lavrov said Russian companies are ready to implement projects in Burundi to build small modular nuclear power plants.
“Rosatom has already signed a foundational document with its colleagues. Personnel training is underway — Burundians are studying at Russian universities,” the minister said.
Burundi also expressed interest in educational exchanges. Lavrov confirmed Russia’s readiness to increase the number of scholarships for citizens of the republic. “We heard many kind words about the services Russia provides in both civilian and military specialities. I confirmed that we are continuing this practice,” the Foreign Minister noted.
Epidemic Response: Biosecurity Cooperation
Special attention was paid to cooperation in healthcare. A joint centre for combating infectious diseases is already operating in Burundi, and Russia has provided the republic with a mobile laboratory. Lavrov said that in connection with the outbreak of a new Ebola strain in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, Russian specialists have conducted on‑site work and found suitable test systems.
“The Russian Health Minister has informed the WHO of readiness to produce a vaccine against this new strain on an industrial scale. For this, biomaterials are needed, and we have asked our Burundian friends to provide them,” Lavrov said. Industrial production of the vaccine is planned to begin immediately after samples are received.
International Position: Support for Africa and Condemnation of Interference
Lavrov highly praised the alignment of Russian and Burundian positions on key international issues. The sides advocated for a multipolar world and adherence to the principles of the UN Charter. The minister stressed the need to eliminate historical injustice against Africa and increase its representation on the UN Security Council.
“Africa has a consolidated position reflected in relevant documents. We respect and support this position,” Lavrov said. In his view, the Western group is “significantly overrepresented” in the Security Council and cannot claim additional seats.
Ukrainian Footprint in Africa and the Crisis in the DRC
The minister also touched on conflicts in Africa, mentioning the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the government, with Burundi’s support, is confronting the M23 group. Lavrov said the M23 group enjoys support from foreign forces, including Ukrainians.
“Ukrainians are trying to involve themselves in too many conflicts on the African continent, taking the side of forces opposing legitimate governments, solely to establish themselves as a ‘political factor’ in this region,” the minister said.
Future Plans: Third Russia-Africa Summit
At the conclusion of his visit, Lavrov confirmed preparations for the third Russia-Africa Summit, to be held in Moscow on October 28–29, 2026.
He expressed appreciation to Burundi for its understanding of Russia’s position on the situation around Ukraine and for voting against “provocative resolutions” by the West at the UN.
