Free trade of Ukrainian grain ‘very important’ for Africa, says AU top official

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – It is critical for Africa that grains stranded in Ukraine can be exported out of the country, the African Union’s top official has said.

“Yesterday, we listened to the president of Ukraine. What we want is, first, peace and stability and then the possibility to free trade on grains. It is very important for us,” Moussa Faki Mahamat said while attending a tree planting event in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, which is also home to the African Union’s headquarters.

“The response we got so far is positive,” said Faki, citing a video conference he held with Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky and African Union chairman Macky Sall.

“This war may seem very distant to you and your countries. But, catastrophically rising food prices have already brought it home to millions of African families, as well as to many in Asia, Europe, Latin America,” he told the African Union’s Bureau of the Assembly.

Ukraine has been one of the world’s top wheat suppliers. However, grain shipments have stalled since Russia began its war on the country on February 24.

On the other hand, Russia denies responsibility for the food crisis, blaming it on sanctions imposed by EU and Western countries.

According to the African Union, Western sanctions against Russia, especially its exclusion from the international payment mechanism SWIFT, are preventing food products from reaching consumers.

The EU has defended its sanctions, saying they do not target food and fertilizers.

Africa, home to 1.3 billion people, has become a “collateral victim” of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Not only is this exacerbating the devastation caused by Africa’s climate change crises and political conflicts, it is also further denting the continent’s ability to fulfill its enormous promise and potential.