Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded the bulk of grain and fertiliser to be exported under the Black Sea Initiative must be channelled to Africa. | CdeLENIN
The initiative, a facility that allows wartime Ukraine and Russia to export much-needed grain to parts of the world dependent on both countries, ended at the weekend after a 120-day cycle. Speaking to African government ministers on Monday during the International Parliamentary Conference, dubbed"Africa in a Multipolar World", in Moscow, Putin said his key demands were that Africans should be the biggest beneficiaries.
If he was not satisfied after the renewed cycle, he said he would not review it but take it upon himself to supply Africa, even if it was for free.I would also like to add that if we decide not to extend this deal after 60 days, Russia will be ready to supply the same amount that was delivered under the deal, from Russia to the African countries in great need, at no expense.
Putin outlined how"the partnership between Russia and African countries has gained additional momentum and is reaching a whole new level". But history has shown that African countries, particularly South Africa in critical instances, have refused to abide by ICC arrest warrants. According to a journal entry by academic Milena Steriov,"the ICC is currently facing significant challenges which may put the court's legitimacy into question".These challenges include a weak record of prosecutions, discord among the court's judges, and a difficult relationship with the world's great powers, such as Russia and the United States.
"I want to emphasise that our country has always and will always consider cooperation with African states a priority. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it is one of the unchanging priorities of Russia's foreign policy," Putin said.
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