More than 90 countries have made a commitment not to use food as a weapon of war, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He made this statement before a meeting of the U.N. Security Council, expressing hope that Russia would rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Blinken highlighted the importance of this agreement, as it has allowed Ukraine to export 30 million tons of food products, with more than half going to developing countries.
However, since Russia withdrew from the deal in mid-July, it has resumed its blockade of the Black Sea and attacked Ukraine’s shipping infrastructure. This has resulted in the destruction of approximately 180,000 metric tons of grain and a significant increase in the prices of wheat and other agricultural products.
Blinken emphasized that countries around the world are demanding that Russia stop using food as a weapon of war in Ukraine. This demand was also expressed during a recent summit hosted by Russia with African leaders, where half of the attendees declined to participate. The leaders who did attend urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to seek peace with Ukraine and reenter the grain deal.
The consequences of food insecurity are severe, with approximately 260 million people globally experiencing acute food insecurity. This is exacerbated by climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and conflicts, leading to forced migration, increased warfare, and reduced economic growth. The rising prices resulting from Russia’s withdrawal from the grain accord further exacerbate food insecurity.
The international community, particularly countries in Africa,
What actions are African nations taking to address food insecurity and the use of food as a weapon in Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that over 90 nations have committed to not using food as a weapon in times of war. Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Blinken expressed his optimism for Russia’s participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The agreement has enabled Ukraine to export 30 million tons of food, more than half of which is sent to developing nations.
However, Russia’s withdrawal from the accord in July has resulted in the country resuming its blockade of the Black Sea and targeting Ukraine’s shipping infrastructure. Consequently, around 180,000 metric tons of grain have been destroyed, leading to a significant surge in the prices of wheat and other agricultural products.
Blinken stressed the global demand for Russia to refrain from using food as a weapon during the conflict in Ukraine. This call for action was expressed at a recent summit held by Russia with leaders from Africa, where half of the attendees opted out. The participating leaders urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue peace with Ukraine and reestablish the grain agreement.
The repercussions of food insecurity are severe, with approximately 260 million individuals facing acute food insecurity worldwide. The situation is exacerbated by factors such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and conflicts, leading to forced migration, heightened warfare, and diminished economic growth. Russia’s withdrawal from the grain accord has further intensified the problem by causing a rise in food prices.
The international community, particularly African nations, is actively engaging in efforts to combat food insecurity and the use of food as a weapon in Ukraine.
