The African Union has called for the resumption of grain and fertilizer supplies from Ukraine and Russia.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed the export of Ukrainian grain through a humanitarian corridor over the past year, expired on Monday as Russia did not extend its participation. Moscow has criticized the deal, particularly the provisions related to Russia, for not being fulfilled.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed regret over the suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, an initiative strongly supported by the African Union. He urged all parties involved to address any outstanding issues and resume the safe transportation of grains and fertilizers from Ukraine and Russia to Africa.

In response to the situation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that the grain deal had effectively ended, but Moscow would reinstate it once its commitments were met. Furthermore, Russia is now engaged in discussions with African partners regarding grain and fertilizer supplies and will continue these talks during the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg later this month.

The package agreement, involving Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations, established a humanitarian maritime corridor for ships transporting food and fertilizer from Ukrainian Black Sea ports on July 22, 2022. Despite agreeing to multiple extensions of the grain deal, Moscow has consistently pointed out that the component related to Russian grain and fertilizer exports was not being fulfilled.