How Putin tries to wheedle African nations at the Russia-Africa summit | DW News

Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders in St Petersburg on Thursday that Russia would send up to 50,000 tons of grain for free to six African countries. "In the coming months, we will be able to ensure free supplies of 25,000 to 50,000 tons of grain to Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Mali, Somalia, Central African Republic and Eritrea," he said in a speech opening the Russia-Africa summit.

The announcement comes after Russia last week halted a deal that allowed Ukrainian grain to move from Black Sea ports to countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Both Russia and Ukraine are important global suppliers of barley, wheat, corn, sunflower oil and other food products that many developing countries rely on.

The export of these supplies was interrupted after Russia launched its full-scale invasion last year, sending food prices soaring and sparking concerns about food security and global hunger. The now-collapsed Black Sea grain deal, brokered by the UN and Turkey in mid-2022, allowed nearly 33 million tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported despite the war.

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[JuanCarlos-kbnu]

The representative of Uganda at the Russia-Africa forum raised an interesting point. Germany, which does not grow coffee, earns $6.8 billion a year. This is 8.5 times more than coffee-producing country Uganda, which receives only $800 million. Of the total world coffee market of $460 billion a year, coffee farmers in Africa and Latin America earn just $25 billion.

[championt]

Western media never disappoints. I love their comedy

[jimmyndumba]

How Zimbabwe fell from being the grain basket of Africa to a recipient of free grain is a painful reality of the crippling effect of global politics. Zimbabweans are hard working people. If sanctions on Zim were to be lifted, that country has the necessary infrastructure and a skilled workforce to spring back to it's old glory days.

[HorusHeresist]

In politics "Free" means "paid with loyalty", you are not getting it for free if you ain't loyal. It's pretty reasonable.

[psylentrage]

"If something is free, you are the product"

[lettucesalad]

What could go wrong relying on Putin for food?

[rajkumarvelupillai]

If those grains leave from Odesa port, barely only 2% reach Africa. Direct support is much appreciated. Well-done.

[sikemo]

I'm sure not even the grain to these countries is free. Just as resources for guns, he'll be paid in gold, diamonds etc

[jehafrica.]

It brings heartache to my soul seeing Africa begging, seeing Africa treated like a fool. Why going to beg for grain whilst Africa has the capacity to feed the world.
Wake up Africa!!! Only you can change your destiny and the current situation.

[Chris-bbcb]

he's going to sail his grain ships right past Odessa and laugh at them...thinking they can't stop a free grain ship saving Africa...
God dam evil man..

[arifniazi]

So no matter what Russia does, you guys will still cry about it. 😂

[delos]

For context, 25, 000 tons is 1/2000th of Russia's annual grain exports. For 6 countries it's a token gesture.

[indian]

Dont tell me that Europe is so worried about Africa. Their worries are their own needs of grain. The wheat merchants in the Dubai are running short of supplies and when they get more are sold to the highest bidder, leaving Africa and other poor nations out of food.

[foilhat]

He's promised that before and has yet to deliver.

[mebrahtuhadgu]

To the commentaitor.what did she mean when she talk that only small nr of african nation show op when there are 49 country out of 54??

[qf]

Africans follow whoever gives them free stuff. T Shirt and a cap gets you their vote😂

[xBlockchain]

Free grain for 6 of you. The rest of you, tough luck

[John_Doe]

I'm confused with the last part. How does the grain deal impact food donations into Kenya? I get it, the grain raises in price due to uncertainty, but why would that stop the shipment altogether. Especially when it got less before that already? Sounds like a stretch for me.

[nfactorsmultimedia]

At least, his is not tell them I will sanction you, if u don't fellow me.

[shsh-heqg]

Haha Russia has always provided free grain to the poor countries of Africa 😂 but you in the west blame him for everything, fact is 90% of ukr grain was shipped to the eu countries 😂 so eu should be worried about paying more for all foods 😂