Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/ WASHINGTON: The United States has committed another $2.5 billion in food aid to Africa to cope with rising prices blamed partly on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
US President Joe Biden laid out the new commitment at the closing of a 3-day summit that brought nearly 50 leaders of Africa to Washington.
US concerns
Joe said that the United States leaders were concerned about rising hunger, partly due to Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine.
Joe said that today famine once more stalks the Horn of Africa.
Food security is an essential foundation for prosperity and peace. If a parent can’t feed their child, nothing else really issues.
He said the United States wanted and wished to work with Africa to develop arable land.
Joe said that Africa has the potential to feed its people but also to help feed the world.
White House said that the $2.5 billion would provide emergency aid and medium- and long-term assistance to stabilize the food supply to Africa.
Joe said it would partner with the African Union states to bring together the private and public sectors and international financial institutions to address food needs and shelters.
Washington said it has already provided $11 billion in food help for the continent this year.
The Horn of Africa has been hard hit after successive failed rainy seasons, with the UN saying that fund has staved off full-fledged famine in Somalia.
