Africa: Humanitarian aid: Russia plans to send between 25.000 and 50.000 tonnes of cereals before the end of 2023

Russia recently announced that it would be providing humanitarian aid in the form of cereals to several African countries, underlining the intensification of its efforts to strengthen its ties with the continent.

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, a large shipment of grain will be sent free of charge to six African countries before the end of 2023. These countries, which are part of the World Food Programme, are Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, the Central African Republic and Eritrea.

The announcement follows commitments made by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa summit in July. On that occasion, he spoke of Russia’s intention to send between 25.000 and 50.000 tonnes of cereals to several African countries over the coming months.

Furthermore, despite the expiry of the agreement on cereals known as the Black Sea Initiative, Sergei Lavrov has assured us that the suspension of this agreement has not affected the food security of developing countries.

It should be noted that Russia’s increased efforts in Africa have not been without cause for concern, particularly on the part of the United States. Rivalry between the two nations has manifested itself in various areas, including military, technological and energy.

Russia’s decision comes against a tense geopolitical backdrop, marked by increased competition with the United States to extend their respective influence. The two superpowers continue to advance their strategic interests in Africa.