* The support comes from a nation which is courageously enduring a full-scale Russian invasion since February 24, 2022–Honorary Consul of France, Luc Deschamps
* Ukraine is able to defend its country against Russia’s ongoing aggression and at the same time contributes to the food supply on a global level—Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe and Malawi, Per Lingarde
* The Ukraine-Russia war should remind the world of the impacts of conflict and insecurity that ripple out across the globe reaching people a world away from the frontlines—Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Bouke Bjil
By Duncan Mlanjira
Diplomats from France, Sweden and The Netherlands have expressed their admiration of Ukraine that despite the war with Russia, she still remains resilient by proceeding with the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ initiative, which Malawi is benefiting.
The Grain from Ukraine is a programme initiated by President of Ukraine that was launched in November 2022 to export Ukrainian grain and other food products to countries facing food crises.
World Food Programme (WFP) was chosen as a partner to help procure, transport and distribute food from Ukraine to WFP operations and as Malawi faces a food insecurity crisis — exacerbated by El Niño-induced drought — France, Korea, Sweden and The Netherlands joined the Grain from Ukraine initiative to provide critical support in the form of in-kind assistance.
The diplomats — in the company of Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya and Malawi, Andrii Pravednyk — toured a food distribution point in Lunzu Township today and later held a press briefing at WFP warehouses in Limbe together with WFP Country Director, Paul Turnbull and Rev. Charles Kalemba, Principal Secretary and Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
In applauding Ukraine for the support, Honorary Consul of France, Luc Deschamps said it comes from “a nation which is courageously enduring a full-scale Russian invasion since February 24, 2022”.
Luc Deschamps (left)
“Before the war, Ukraine was a critical supplier for Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Russian aggression has disrupted Ukrainian agriculture, causing ripple effects of food insecurity worldwide.
“France, alongside the European Union, UN agencies, and partners across the global community, is acting to counter this severe crisis. Today’s delivery follows the pledge made by President Macron at the 2022 UN General Assembly — where France committed 14 million euros to support the mission of addressing the food crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
“It also aligns with the European initiative FARM and President Zelensky’s ‘Grain from Ukraine’ programme, demonstrating collective solidarity.”
On his part, Ambassador of Sweden to Zimbabwe and Malawi, Per Lingarde expressed his country’s high regard on how Ukraine “is able to defend its country against Russia’s ongoing aggression and at the same time contributes to the food supply on a global level”.
Per Lingarde (centre) and Andrii Pravednyk
“We, the donors here present, support Ukraine’s efforts to export grain and other other agricultural products to global markets and to the most vulnerable countries.
“Global food insecurity is at record-high levels, exacerbated by climate change, conflicts and price shocks. This is felt here in Malawi and across the world and we follow with great concern the developments relating to the recent El Niño-induced drought and convey our deepest sympathies for the hardship caused to the Malawian people.”
He added that Sweden is a long time provider of development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, contributing to global food security and that they are proud to be one of WFP’s largest donors and to meeting acute food insecurity around the world.
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has from the start severely disrupted global agricultural production and trade, with dramatic consequences for vulnerable populations globally.
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“Russia has weaponised food by imposing an illegal blockade on Ukrainian seaports, as well as its destruction of Ukrainian agricultural infrastructure including ports, storage and export facilities.
“Russia’s actions triggered an unprecedented peak in international food prices in 2022 and has led to volatile prices and disruption to food production and supplies.
“These deplorable attacks on food supply chains continue and hungry people in many countries around the world have suffered as a result.”
He thus emphasised that despite Russia’s war, “Ukraine remains committed to contribute to global food security by ensuring that its significant food production can reach global markets and therefore contribute to market stability”.
“Since 2022, Sweden and other members of the European Union, have been at the forefront of global efforts to address the increased food insecurity and mitigate the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
“This includes our work to support Ukrainian food exports reaching countries experiencing food insecurity. We are particularly proud to support the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ delivery to Malawi through WFP [as the] programme makes use of WFP’s strong logistics system to make sure that Ukrainian food production continues to reach those most in need of food assistance around the world.
“With El Niño currently affecting Malawi and the region in an extraordinary manner, we are pleased to be able to support a strong and robust response, setting the stage for a recovery that is as swift as possible.”
Adding credence to Ukraine’s resilience, Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of The Netherlands, Bouke Bjil said the Ukraine-Russia war should remind the world of the impacts of conflict and insecurity that “ripple out across the globe reaching people a world away from the frontlines”.
Bouke Bjil (centre)
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, disrupting grain and fertilizer imports vital to Africa’s food security,” he said. “This makes the need for peace even more urgent.
“The Netherlands strongly condemns the Russian attack on Ukraine. For two years now, Ukraine has been defending itself every day against Russian aggression and The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine as long as it takes.
“And as a global partner in sustainable agriculture and climate action, we will continue to engage in initiatives that develop the necessary infrastructure and systems in Malawi, and Africa, to ensure security in the long run and inspite of a changing climate.”
He also took cognizance that Malawi is living through difficult times as the country and the region reckon with the impacts of El Niño-intensified drought.
“For although we have welcomed some good rain recently, there is still a long road to the next harvest and 6 million Malawians remain in a precarious situation. For 900,000 of the worst affected people, the Grain from Ukraine initiative is going to make a difference.
“Though this is a drop in the bucket against the needs, we must celebrate the positive impact of this contribution for so many Malawians. We are reminded today how, though separated by oceans and continents, we are connected.”
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He indicated that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events and that “all indications are that this drought was worsened by decades of greenhouse gas emissions, especially from wealthy, industrialised countries”.
“Climate justice demands that we address both the causes of climate change, together. This means that high-emitting nations must continue to cut emissions but also strengthen support to low-emitting countries that must adapt to climate impacts and quickly transition to low-carbon, clinate-resilient development pathways.”
The Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya and Malawi, Andrii Pravednyk was very appreciative of the sentiments from his counterparts, saying despite Russia’s attempts to destroy their seaports and agricultural infrastructure, they are making sure they secure their export sea corridor to ensure a seamless transportation of grain globally.
“Let us continue to speak in one voice against this unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” he said, adding that they were spurred to assist Malawi as both face challenges though of different proportions.
“We both were affected by CoVID-19 that hit the whole world but Malawi was hit with many unexpected shocks that include the two Cyclones, Ana and Freddy that displaced thousands of people, as well as the El Niño-induced drought.”
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