Tunisian President Urges Developed Countries to Fight Hunger in Africa, Not Trade Weapons

© Sputnik . Alexander Galperin / Go to the mediabankA grain elevator in the Zaporozhye region
A grain elevator in the Zaporozhye region - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 24.07.2023
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According to a recent report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme, severe food shortages are likely to worsen in 18 "hunger hotspots" in 22 countries even more in 2023. Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali have joined the list of the highest-concern-level countries, already filled by Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan.
Economically developed countries would be wiser to use their resources to prevent famine in Africa, and not to trade in weapons, a local news outlet has reported, citing a statement made by Tunisian President Kais Saied.
According to the agency, the nation's leader took part in a migration-focused conference held in Rome.
"The current crisis is a logical consequence of the migration flows that preceded it in the conditions [...] and colonialism, criticizing the determination of developed countries to sell weapons to African countries in order to exacerbate tensions [...] It would be wiser [...] to use this wealth spent on the arms trade to prevent famine in Africa," the agency said in a statement.
In this photo provided by the Tunisian Presidency, Tunisian President Kais Saied, centre right, shakes hand with Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte, left,  European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, at the presidential palace in Carthage, Tunisia, Sunday, July 16, 2023 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 17.07.2023
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The president also stressed that migration networks and human trafficking generate illegal income estimated at $150 billion a year and threaten 25 million people worldwide.
Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the results of the conference on migration held in Rome would be sent to the UN Secretary-General. Italy intends to organize a new meeting with the participation of donors.
The prime minister noted that in order to combat illegal migration, Rome considers it necessary to work "on the external dimension" of the migration problem through strategic cooperation with African countries.
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