A joint statement issued by African leaders and the Russian president has called for practical measures to eliminate barriers to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, with the aim of reviving the UN-backed Black Sea grain Initiative. The statement, published on the Kremlin’s website, also urged the United Nations to facilitate the release of over 200,000 tons of Russian fertilizer currently stranded at EU seaports, allowing for immediate and free delivery to African countries.
The demands were originally announced by Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for the South African president, before the joint statement was released by the Kremlin. The leaders of seven African countries representing the African Peace Initiative, including South Africa, the Republic of Congo, Egypt, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and the President of the Union of the Comoros, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.
During the summit, President Putin highlighted that out of the 262,000 tons of Russian fertilizers blocked in the EU, only two small shipments had been sent to Malawi and Kenya. Last year, a humanitarian corridor was established through the Black Sea to enable the shipment of grain and fertilizer from Ukraine’s ports, with the assistance of the UN and Turkey. However, Moscow has consistently expressed dissatisfaction with the deal, stating that Western economic sanctions, which impede the export of Russian food and fertilizers, were not lifted as agreed.
The Russian Foreign Ministry previously accused Latvia, Estonia, Belgium, and the Netherlands of obstructing the transfer of fertilizer cargo to low-income countries. Russia believes that these countries are preventing the fulfillment of the humanitarian objectives of the grain deal, as the majority of Ukrainian produce ends up being sent to wealthier nations rather than those most threatened by food insecurity.
As a result of these concerns, Russia withdrew from the agreement last month. However, earlier this week, Russia expressed its readiness to immediately resume the defunct deal if its conditions were met.
The joint statement from the African leaders and the Russian president highlights the importance of removing barriers to the export of Russian fertilizers and grain, as it would not only revive the Black Sea grain Initiative but also support food security efforts in African countries. By enabling the release of the stranded fertilizer and ensuring its delivery to Africa, the joint statement seeks to address the pressing need for agricultural inputs to boost crop yields and alleviate food shortages.
The African leaders also call upon the United Nations to play an active role in facilitating the process and ensuring that the fertilizer reaches the intended countries without any further delays or obstacles.
In conclusion, the joint statement reflects the collective desire to overcome the challenges hindering the export of Russian fertilizers and grain to African countries. By doing so, the aim is to strengthen food security, support agricultural development, and foster closer cooperation between Russia and African nations. It remains to be seen how these calls will be addressed by the international community and whether the necessary steps will be taken to revive and fully implement the Black Sea grain Initiative.
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