Macron, on trip to Cameroon, says food is Russian weapon of war

By Amindeh Blaise Atabong

YAOUNDE -French President Emmanuel Macron described the worldwide meals disaster as one in all Russia’s “weapons of warfare” throughout a go to to Cameroon on Tuesday, dismissing recommendations Western sanctions have been in charge.

Cameroon, like many growing international locations, is grappling with sharp will increase in costs for oil, fertiliser and foodstuffs. Extreme gasoline shortages hit the capital Yaounde final week resulting in lengthy queues at petrol stations.

Macron is on a three-leg tour of Africa, a visit meant to strengthen political ties with the continent and assist enhance agricultural manufacturing amid the rising meals insecurity linked to the warfare in Ukraine.

African governments have largely averted taking sides and refused to hitch Western condemnation and sanctions.

On the identical time, anti-French sentiment is rising in France’s former West African colonies, the place safety considerations following a string of coups are stoking frustration and swinging public opinion in favour of Russia.

“We're blamed by some who say that European sanctions (on Russia) is the reason for the world meals disaster, together with in Africa. It's completely false,” Macron mentioned throughout a gathering with the French group in Cameroon.

“Meals, like vitality have change into Russian weapons of warfare … We should assist the African continent to supply extra for itself,” Macron mentioned.

Many African nations are depending on Russian grain and vitality, however additionally they purchase Ukrainian grain that has been disrupted by the battle.

Moscow denies duty for the meals disaster, blaming Western sanctions for slowing its meals and fertiliser exports and Ukraine for mining the approaches to its ports.

Cameroon, a mineral-rich central African nation, is a significant meals producer for the area and Macron’s delegation will search funding alternatives within the agricultural sector.

He's assembly Cameroon’s President Paul Biya within the capital Yaounde earlier than heading to Benin on Wednesday and Guinea-Bissau on Thursday.

The journey – Macron’s first in Africa since his re-election in April – coincides with visits by Russian International Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Particular Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer to completely different international locations throughout the continent.