mmegi

Russian ambassador: Don’t blame us for food, fuel price crisis

Hitting back: Kemarskiy in his interview with Mmegi this week PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Hitting back: Kemarskiy in his interview with Mmegi this week PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

With food and fuel prices spiralling in Botswana and across the world, much of the blame has been laid at Russia’s feet for its invasion of Ukraine which kicked off turmoil in a world already weakened by COVID-19. Answering questions from Mmegi Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI, Moscow’s man in Gaborone, Ambassador Andrey Kemarskiy, says nothing could be further from the truth

Mmegi: Has Russia had any engagement with the Government of Botswana since the operation in Ukraine began, and what has been the response of Government?

Kemarskiy: Russia has enjoyed excellent relations with Botswana since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. Like most countries in the world, Botswana does not support illegal sanctions imposed by the United States and its satellites against Russia. Those who have felt the effects of Western colonialism and racism, Botswana including, have not joined anti-Russia restrictions.

Editor's Comment
Ruling party should tread carefully on cadre deployment

But on the particularly sensitive question of cadre deployment, the BNF must tread very carefully.The issue deserves robust debate, not ideological enthusiasm. Recent public comments from the BNF leadership are reassuring: the party has said that government positions should be based on merit and competence rather than party membership, and that it does not have a specific cadre-deployment policy.That principle should remain firmly at the centre...

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