Jump to navigation

Power politics could derail vital grain deal for Africa

Moscow may cancel the foodstuffs supply accord as Ukraine steps up its diplomacy in Africa and the Global South

The future of the UN-brokered grain deal that has allowed over 30 million tonnes of foodstuffs to be exported from Ukraine across the Black Sea to Africa and the Middle East since July 2022 is threatened by another round of political grandstanding. For now, it has been extended by a further two months but could easily be stopped after that with western powers and Moscow blaming each other for the failure (AC Vol 63 No 20, Geopolitical divides take centre stage at the UN).

Russia has been threatening to withdraw from the agreement blaming the impact of western sanctions on its economy. That stance is prompting concern from African ministers who remain reliant on Ukrainian grain.

Regional diplomats say concerns on food supply caused by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine were a key driving force behind the South African-led peace initiative announced last week.

At a meeting in Moscow with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on 18 May, Uganda's foreign minister Jeje Odongo, told a joint news conference that he had urged parties involved to consider the plight of 'many African countries, who depend on grain for wheat and bread.'

'Quite a number of African countries, particularly in the northern part of Africa, depend on grain, particularly for wheat and bread. We understand their plight. But we think whatever should be done, should be done in the interests of those in need and not to use their need to the advantage of others.' Odongo said at the news conference.

Having been several steps behind Moscow in the battle for diplomatic influence in Africa in the months following Russia's invasion, Ukraine is now actively stepping up its diplomatic presence in the continent, opening new embassies in Rwanda, MozambiqueCôte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and Angola. Kyiv is working on hosting a Ukraine-Africa conference this summer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky have agreed to separate meetings with leaders from Zambia, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Uganda and Egypt to discuss a possible plan to end the war, as part of the 'peace mission' proposed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Zambia and Egypt were the only two of the six to vote in favour of last year's UN resolution condemning Russia's invasion.



Related Articles

Geopolitical divides take centre stage at the UN

New policy statements on Africa from Washington and Brussels are being measured against sluggish actions on debt and climate policy

Russia's war on Ukraine dominated the best attended UN General Assembly for years – much to the detriment of progress on preparations for the COP27 climate summit and...


A gamble on secession

A private company claiming to have bought oil licences from three governments in exile is looking for investors. Several prominent secessionists sit on its advisory board

Kilimanjaro Capital is not the first company to try selling mineral rights in territories claimed by secessionist movements but it must be one of the most bizarre. It...


Uranium trail

British Premier Tony Blair's claim that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein tried to get 'significant quantities of uranium from Africa' seems to be drawn from sources in South Africa...


The year of voting dangerously

Accommodating one of Russia’s most profitable African operations, Touadéra balances competing foreign interests as he dismantles the local opposition

This year should be the year of elections in the Central African Republic. Local elections, already rescheduled four times, are due in July, with a general election following...