African Union not only wants Russian grain, but also a ceasefire in Ukraine
Proposals made by President Putin about grain deliveries to Africa are not satisfactory, a ceasefire in Ukraine is needed. African Union President Azali Assoumani said this in a closing statement at the two-day Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg.
On Thursday, Putin reiterated earlier claims that Russia can supply grain to Africa, now that Ukraine can no longer export because the grain deal has ended . He also offered six African countries free grain .
"Yes, this is important, but maybe it's not enough. We need to reach a ceasefire," Assoumani said. African leaders called on the Russian president in St. Petersburg to end the war and presented him with a peace plan.
"This war must stop. And it can only stop on the basis of justice and reason," said African Union Secretariat Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat. Putin said he respects the proposal and will "study it carefully."
Negotiate Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso believes that the African initiative should not be underestimated. "We call again urgently for the restoration of peace in Europe." Last month, African leaders also called on Russia to begin peace negotiations .
Putin repeated earlier statements that Russia is ready to negotiate, but that Ukraine is not willing. According to Putin, talks should take into account "new realities on the ground", referring to the Russian-occupied part of Ukraine.
The adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky, Mychajlo Podoljak, called Putin's remarks "negotiation whimsy." African Union president Assoumani said that Putin had shown willingness to negotiate with Ukraine, and now "the other side" had to be convinced.
Extend grain deal The African Union is also urging Putin to extend the grain deal, which recently expired as Russia suspended its cooperation . According to Faki Mahamat, an extension would "benefit all the peoples of the world, especially Africans".
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, grain exports from that country had come to an almost complete standstill. Global food prices rose sharply. The grain deal allowed Ukraine to export nearly 33 million tons of corn, wheat and other grains last year .
After the deal was closed, prices fell, but after its recent expiry, they rose again sharply. It is feared that the Russian decision will lead to more food insecurity and hunger in African countries.
Putin praised Africa's role in the emerging "multipolar world order." According to him, the era of US dominance is over. He said Russia has plans for increased trade and investment in African countries.
He also wants to strengthen military ties with African countries by training their armies and supplying more military equipment, some of which is free of charge.
Furthermore, Russia and African countries agreed to cooperate on colonialism-caused damage and to strive for the return of cultural artifacts.
The summit was attended by 49 African delegations, 17 of which came with heads of state. At the first Russia-Africa summit in 2019, there were still 43 African heads of state.
