BY LEDET MULETA
Russian State Grain Operator graciously invited international delegation of experts and journalists to visit Russia. I, Ledet Muleta who is a communication and public health consultant was a member of this delegation representing Ethiopia and Africa at large. The visit initiated discussion among international delegation of experts and journalists on issues pertaining to the grain deal and the world’s food shortages. The organizers also aimed at providing first-hand information about Russia to worldwide audiences. As it is my first time in Russia, I have been susprised by many things I can’t cover by this short piece. However, I want to give glimpse of our trip and what I realized after the visit.
We touched upon many places in Russia. We visited several cities and towns including Crimea, and the new territory known as Zaporoski. In the Zaporoski region, we noted a region that is under fair peaceful conditions but tense situation as terrorism and possible conflicts are still an imminent danger. Both Russians and Ukrainians live in this region. A rural-like area, Zaporoski mostly focuses on manufacturing and agriculture. Previously part of the USSR, this territory was governed by the Ukrainian government since 1991 until the recent takeover by the Russian government.
We met farmers and government representatives in Zaporoski who discussed the challenges the sanctions are inflicting. Farmers in that region struggle to move their products for export because of the sanctions. Food prices are increasing all over the world due to logistical problems brought on by the sanctions, rerouting of the grains is essential due to blockage of Russian goods in some ports. It was mentioned during meetings with farmers that some of the farms in that area owned by private foreign corporations were abandoned when the Russian government took control of the region. Since then abandoned farms have been under the control of the state. Local farmers who remained since the takeover on the other hand have been receiving support from the state and incentivized to continue production. Despite having a thriving agricultural industry, the Zaporoski region has not undergone much development. The grain storage facilities constructed by the USSR in the 1970s received little to no renovation and not much has changed in the region over the past several decades.
The lack of growth, the threat to Russian territories, corruption, money laundering, and a lack of social services and development in the region are all contributing factors, according to officials, to why Russia is occupying these areas. The crew observed during their tour that the Russian government is rebuilding for the local population the areas that were devastated during the conflict. Numerous residential structures some finished and others still under construction are noticeable in several areas. As seen by the projects started and the staff moved from all over the country to support the region, Russian government authorities are implementing plans and managing the region with ambition to support local farmers and to raise the society in that region.
There is no doubt opposition to the Russian government’s occupation of these new lands exist, but the group also noted that the Russian and Ukrainian people are related, brother and sisters who have coexisted. One resident responded, “I just want to live a good life,” the group noted that the majority of people are only interested in making a livelihood. Both Russian and Ukrainian locals are observed attempting to live their normal lives in the area. Even though schools and universities are in session and children are playing on the playground, the strained atmosphere is obvious. It is evident that typical citizens desire a normal existence, security, safety, and an equal opportunity to make a living.
It is clear that the Russian and Ukrainian government need to resolve the conflict without any further disturbance of their citizens, instigation by outside forces have dragged this conflict further than needed. Visiting food storage centers bombed and burned while many in our world are struggling is unacceptable. Witnessing civilians who just want to lead their ordinary lives and have families from both Russia and Ukraine is quite the norm. The instigating and supplying of weapons to one side in order to continue this conflict should be condemned in all forms as it has and will continue to destroy the social fabric of both Russians and Ukrainians.
Peace negotiations ought to be supported and promoted. Contrary to what is advocated in the mainstream media, it is in the interest of African nations to remain neutral and to continue their positive diplomatic relations with Russia. Russia is not only one of the world’s largest economies that has and is seeking to establish a mutually beneficial engagement with Africa, but also a significant diplomatic partner of the African continent. This is not to downplay the significance of Ukraine, but rather to emphasize that Africa should not blindly join the campaign to isolate and demonize Russia. To protect the rest of the public, Russia and Ukraine should be, urged to engage in a sit-down negotiation rather than cause further psychological burden to their citizens.
The transfer of grains from this area and other Russian territories should be covered under the grain agreement. As our world struggles with supply, farmers from every region should be shielded from sanctions. Sanctioning one of the top global crop producers undoubtedly contributes to the rising price and global food scarcity, and Africa undoubtedly cannot afford to trade in any other way than in accordance with her necessities. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, Russian government representatives reiterated throughout the trip their government’s commitment to the development of Africa, which is based on respect and mutual benefits, and expressed a desire to interact with African leaders at the upcoming Russia-Africa summit, which will be held in St. Petersburg.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 7 JUNE 2023
