By Ajong Mbapndah L
A ship carrying Ukrainian grain on Thursday docked in the East African nation of Djibouti.
The ship arrived at the port carrying 30,000 tonnes of grains. The grains will be stored in Djibouti before being dispatched to Ethiopia.
The Cargo was bought by international donors and coordinated by the UN World Food Programme in cooperation with the offices of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
President Zelenskyy launched the “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian programme in partnership with UN World Food Programme in 2022.
The programme aims to ensure the safe transportation of grain and agricultural products through Ukrainian ports to the African continent to prevent famine across Africa’s most vulnerable countries.
Reports indicate that Africa is experiencing the worst drought in 40 years, with millions of people reported to be in need of food relief. The Ukraine government aims to provide grain to 5 million people in Africa by the end of spring.
President Zelenksyy also established the International Coordination Group for Prevention of Hunger (ICGPH), which includes representatives from governments, corporations, and other patrons who can directly influence the provision of food needs of millions of people around the world. ICGPH functions under President Zelenskyy and is chaired by his Chief of Staff, Mr Andriy Yermak.
Recently, several influential African leaders joined the initiative as ambassadors of the ICGPH, including Dr Joyce Banda who served as the President of Malawi from 2012-201.
Others are Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the former Minister of Education for Nigeria and former Vice President of the World Bank, and Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate and Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the National Democratic Institute.
Over USD 200 million in donations has been raised for Grain from Ukraine programme so far.
