Parts of Africa and the Middle East will likely feel the impacts of Russia’s latest decision to withdraw from a pact that allowed Ukrainian grains to leave Black Sea ports. But Russia’s withdrawal from the pact is set to send shivers especially through poorer African countries, many of which are already reeling from inflation, climate shocks and conflict. “There is simply too much at stake in a hungry and hurting world,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this week. “Today’s decision by the Russian Federation will strike a blow to people in need everywhere,” the UN chief said. The end of the Black Sea grains deal will likely hit the Horn of Africa very hard, according to aid officials, warning that another hike in food prices would add to the tens of millions of people facing hunger.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 19, 2023 16:21 UTC