First of all, Africa seeks to develop and seeks to build relations with partners across the world. Africans are yearning for a brighter future, for a developed continent. We can have friends and partners from all over the world, including Russia, because very soon, in December, we shall be having the second Russia-Africa State Summit in Cairo, and all these discussions will take place there. It shows the wonderful relationship and the partnership that is emerging between Russia and Africa, building on what the Soviet Union contributed to the liberation of Africa. But with all the research, let me tell you that we as Africans, I think the main work is on our side. Therefore, this comment is to complement what you have said and to tell you that we need to put our own houses in order. Yes, we need to develop our countries, and when we sit here, we should not come as if we are people seeking mercy or seeking help from anyone. I want to tell you that whenever we hear “Russia-Africa,” or “Japan-Africa,” or “China-Africa,” it should be the other way around. It should be Africa inviting Russia, Africa inviting China, Africa inviting the US, Africa inviting Europe. But the reality is that this is where we are now. So, we humble ourselves. Even the research that is being done – we accept it, we humble ourselves because we still need to put our resources in order so that we can develop our countries. That is the first point. The second point is that with all the elements you have highlighted, there is one important aspect missing. You can have the resources, you can have everything, but unless you invest in leadership and governance, your resources will be exploited, for example, by France in some of our French-speaking countries. Let me tell you that in some of our countries there is actually a neo-colonial law which states that our sovereign countries have sovereign rights over what is above the soil, but what is below the soil belongs to our former colonial masters. Just imagine – in 2025 we still have such a law. So yes, we are fighting neo-colonial policies and colonial policies, but we cannot blame everything on the colonialists. We cannot blame Europe or America. Neither should we expect miracles, that simply because Russia is coming back to Africa, Russia will bring miracles and Africa will suddenly develop. The issue goes back to leadership and governance in our respective countries. That is the second point. And my final point will be a question. What has Russia done since 1990? After the breakup of the Soviet Union, we saw how the West was very happy. We see what the West is doing to Russia now. But what did you do to develop, to become a strong country, a strong nation, to the extent that you are now being targeted? So, what have you done, and what can Africa, what can African countries, learn from you in terms of leadership and governance? What can Africa learn from you so that our countries can get out of the problems we are in?
