“No progress has been made yet,” Zelensky said in a video address to members of the African Union, adding that “the world food crisis will last as long as this colonial war continues.”
Africa is “hostage” to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, sparking strong tensions in the grain market for export to the continent, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today.
“Africa is a hostage of those who started the war against our country,” Zelensky said in a video address to members of the African Union (AU).
The “unfair” level of food prices “caused by the Russian war (…) is painfully felt on all continents,” said the Ukrainian president.
He added that “difficult negotiations” are currently underway to open Ukrainian ports, where millions of tonnes of grain cannot currently be exported to Africa due to the blockade of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
“No progress has been made yet,” Zelensky said, adding that “the world food crisis will last as long as this colonial war continues.”
The Russians “need this crisis,” he said. “They are deliberately making it worse.”
“No real tools have yet been found to ensure that Russia does not attack again (in the ports),” Zelensky said, adding that “getting rid of the threat of famine” is “our number one mission”.
Ukraine, with its partners, “is trying to build a new logistical support for the supply of cereals to African countries and other continents,” he said. “International organizations can not influence Russia, restoration of international (food) safety “.
Zelensky also said he wanted to “intensify” dialogue with African Union member states by soon appointing a “Ukrainian special representative for Africa”.
He also suggested that preparations be made for a “major Ukraine-Africa political and economic conference”.
Senegalese President Maki Sal, who is also currently chairing the SA, praised Zelenski’s “friendly speech” on Twitter, confirming that “Africa remains committed to respecting the rules of international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes”. and freedom of trade “.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, chair of the African Union Commission, also said the SA “reiterated its position on the urgent need for dialogue” to “end the war in order to allow peace to return to the region and restore it.” global stability “.
