African Union Commission (AUC) and Germany officials held talks on the impact of the Ukraine crisis on food security in Africa and other bilateral issues.
The meeting was held during a visit by Svenja Schulze, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, to the headquarters of African Union in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
The German embassy in Ethiopia issued a statement today saying the minister exchanged views with Monique Nsanzabaganwa, chairperson of the AUC, “on the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on food security in Africa”.
“Food security is a common concern of the African Union and the German government. The food crisis must not be allowed to destabilize further regions of Africa,” said Development Minister Schulze.
In the horn of Africa alone, aid agencies say the prolonged dry conditions could push an estimated 13 million people to hunger.
The conflict in Ukraine is also making a dire situation even worse, disrupting food and energy markets, and driving up the cost of imports beyond the reach of many consumers in the continent.
“The dependence of many African countries on grain imports from Ukraine and Russia might lead to a shortage of supply and massive price increases,” Schulze added.
The embassy said the two officials agreed “that this crisis can only be faced together and with joint efforts.” The minister also assured the AU of Germany’s full support in this regard, it added.
Last February, Germany provided €20 million support to FAO’s response to the severe drought in the Horn of Africa.
Apart from the food crisis, the two sides also discussed ways to control the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa, the expansion of the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and joint-efforts in the field of peace and security.
MG/abj/APA