Kenya calls out Russia over the Black Sea Grain Initiative exit
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Kenya says Russia decision to exit the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a major setback for global food security
Kenya says Russia decision to exit the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a major setback for global food security.
On Tuesday, July 18, Ruto’s administration criticized Russia for its decision to quit the Black Sea Grain Initiative and described it as a significant loss for world food security.
Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya observed that the new agreement saw the movement of the essential commodities without significant shipping difficulties, in contrast to the earlier bitter standoff in which Russia had barred Ukrainian ships from passing through the Black Sea.
The Black Sea Grain Initiative, in particular, had made it possible for Ukraine, a significant supplier of wheat and corn to Kenya and other African nations, to deliver their produce and protect countries suffering from drought from starvation and malnutrition.
Russia’s decision to pull out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative will significantly impoverish the international community since the Black Sea is a major shipping route for these commodities.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei noted that the impact of Russia’s decision will be particularly devastating for countries in the Horn of Africa, which are already facing a severe drought.
“The decision by Russia to exit the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a stab in the back at global food security prices and disproportionately impacts countries in the Horn of Africa already impacted by drought,” PS Sing’Oei.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also raised concerns over the same noting that countries that are heavily reliant on imported food will face it rough over increased prices.
Guterres noted that millions of people in the Horn of Africa are at risk of hunger and famine.
The UN boss noted that Russia’s decision to exit the Black Sea Grain Initiative is a clear act of aggression against the global community.
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“I deeply regret the decision by the Russian Federation to terminate the implementation of the Black Sea Initiative – including the withdrawal of Russian security guarantees for navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
“This Initiative has ensured the safe passage of over 32 million metric tons of food commodities from Ukrainian ports. The World Food Programme has shipped more than 725,000 tons to support humanitarian operations – relieving hunger in some of the hardest hit corners of the world, including Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Yemen,” Guterres noted.
Guterres called the international community to condemn Russia’s decision and work to find ways to get Ukrainian grain to market. He noted that the global community must also provide humanitarian assistance to the countries that are most affected by the rising food prices.
“The Black Sea Initiative — together with the Memorandum of Understanding on facilitating exports of Russian food products and fertilizers — have been a lifeline for global food security and a beacon of hope in a troubled world.
“At a time when the production and availability of food are being disrupted by conflict, climate change, energy prices and more, these agreements have helped to reduce food prices by over 23 percent since March last year,” Guterres stated.
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