The Russian invasion of Ukraine in late February has intensified food problems in some countries in Africa and the Middle East and affects preparations for Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins next weekend and in which tables are traditionally packed. of food at dusk.
The faithful, who traditionally break their fast at nightfall with hearty family meals, are now finding it difficult to pay for basic groceries as food and fuel prices soar.
“High prices are affecting and spoiling the mood of Ramadan,” Sabah Fatoum, 45, a resident of the Israeli-blocked Gaza Strip, where prices have soared by up to 11%, according to Palestinian authorities, told AFP.
“We heard that prices will go up again during Ramadan, it’s a burden for us,” he added.
Russia and Ukraine are among the world’s top exporters of agricultural products such as wheat, vegetable oil and corn.
But the interruption of export flows as a result of the conflict between the two countries raises fears of famine, especially in the Middle East and Africa.
In Yemen, the poorest country on the Arabian Peninsula and ravaged by war since 2014, the consequences are already noticeable.
In the capital, Sanaa, Mohsen Saleh, 43, recalls that prices rise every year in Ramadan, but this year “they went up like foam”.
“The economic situation is very difficult. Most people in Yemen are poor and on edge, they cannot continue at this rate,” he said.
In Syria, the scene of a war since 2011 that left around 60% of the population in a situation of food insecurity, Ramadan will be even less festive this year.
Olive oil is sold in limited quantities and the price more than doubled after the invasion of Ukraine. The Syrian government, which relies heavily on Moscow for wheat imports, is also rationing the grain, as well as sugar and rice, for fear of shortages.
“I thought the last Ramadan would be the most frugal, but it looks like this year we’ll have to take even more dishes” off the menu, said Basma Shabani, 62.
Charitable organizations in Tunisia, which intensify the collection of food for families in need on the eve of Ramadan, are running out of donations due to the worsening socio-economic situation.
“Usually we fill up the car after an hour, but not this year,” said Mohamed Malek, 20, a student volunteer at an association.
“Some people said they needed to get food for themselves first,” he explained.
The situation is repeated in Lebanon, which since 2019 has suffered the worst economic crisis in its history.
“The strong solidarity that comes into play, especially during months like Ramadan, will be put to the test this year,” said Bujar Hoxha, director of the NGO Care International in Lebanon.
“Hyperinflation and rising food prices in local markets make the long-awaited month of Ramadan difficult for many Lebanese,” he said.
In Egypt, the biggest importer of Russian and Ukrainian wheat, President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi set the price of unsubsidized bread after its price rose 50%.
The local currency has also lost 17% this month.
“If you used to buy three kilos of vegetables, today you only buy one,” said Oum Badreya, a street vendor in western Cairo.
Somalia, mired in Islamic rebellion and suffering its worst drought in 40 years, is also preparing for a grim Ramadan.
Ramadan “will be very different because fuel and food prices are soaring,” said Adla Nour, a resident of Mogadishu.
I have over 8 years of experience in the news industry. I have worked for various news websites and have also written for a few news agencies. I mostly cover healthcare news, but I am also interested in other topics such as politics, business, and entertainment. In my free time, I enjoy writing fiction and spending time with my family and friends.
