Russia Ships 2,00,000 Tonnes Of “Free Grain” To 6 African Nations As Promised

Russia has successfully supplied 200,000 metric tonnes of free grain to six African nations, fulfilling President Vladimir Putin’s commitment from earlier in July. Russia’s Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev made the statement during a meeting with Putin, according to a transcript on the Kremlin website.

According to Patrushev, 50,000 tons of grain were distributed to Somalia and the Central African Republic, with 25,000 tonnes each to Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, and Zimbabwe. This move aligns with Putin’s promise at an African leaders’ summit, which occurred soon after Russia withdrew a grain agreement with Ukraine. The deal, referred to as the Black Sea grain initiative, aimed to simplify grain imports from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, but Putin claimed it failed to feed the countries in greatest need properly.

Russian President Putin’s speech at a July 2023 summit in St. Petersburg highlighted Moscow’s commitment to strengthening connections with African countries. The summit, attended by representatives from 49 nations, including 17 heads of state, was viewed as a watershed event in Russia’s relationship with Africa, given its international isolation due to the conflict with Ukraine.

During the conference, Putin announced steps to increase Russia’s influence in Africa, such as debt write-offs and the distribution of free grain to six African countries. This move was regarded as an attempt to strengthen alliances and fight Western influence on the continent. Putin’s promise of free grain came soon after Russia pulled out of an agreement that allowed Ukraine, a key grain producer, to export farm products across the Black Sea, raising concerns about potential disruptions to world food supplies.

The summit’s joint declaration highlighted the participants’ commitment to constructing a more egalitarian and multipolar world order and their opposition to international conflict in Africa. This proclamation was a big step forward in Russia’s renewed focus on Africa, including ambitious measures to enhance economic relations and diplomatic presence on the continent.

“We have been maintaining relations with African countries and building cooperation,” Patrushev told Putin during their discussion, emphasising the timely delivery of wheat to recipient countries following the Russia-Africa conference. Russia estimates exporting up to 70 million metric tonnes of grain in the current agricultural year, extending from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This prediction surpasses the previous season’s figures, which saw Russia shipping 66 million tonnes worth about $16.5 billion.

Completing this grain shipment demonstrates Russia’s commitment to improving relations with African countries and meeting their agricultural needs. Such projects are essential examples of international cooperation and support in tackling severe issues as global dynamics shift.

Russia intends to invest in infrastructure projects, build industrial facilities, and strengthen diplomatic relations with African countries. The Kremlin’s initiatives include providing security services, such as the Wagner mercenary force, to help African governments confront armed groups.

Reference: Reuters

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