The African Union calls on all participants of the grain deal to facilitate delivery of Russian and Ukrainian grain to the continent, Chairman of the African Union and President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani said on Thursday.
"The Ukrainian crisis is having a serious impact on the situation, so resolving this crisis will save a large number of people who depend on food supplies … Therefore, we appeal to all participants in the process with a big request to facilitate the delivery of both Russian and Ukrainian grain to our countries. We are ready to cooperate with Russia in all sectors to ensure peace and security on the continent," Assoumani said.
The AU head added that Africa is ready to work with Russia in all directions, and Moscow is a special partner for the countries of the continent.
Given the abundance of the human and natural resources, he noted, Africa "looks forward to working closely with Russia."
Apart from that, Assoumani pointed out that Russia has managed to effectively resist Western sanctions that were imposed due to Moscow’s special military operation.
"Russia and its President [Vladimir] Putin showed us that it was able to resist [sanctions] effectively over time," Assoumani said, adding that it seems that the West does not have resources to impose more sanctions.
The AU head also commented on the situation in Niger, noting that the African Union strongly condemns the ongoing coup attempt in the West African nation and demands the release of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Earlier in the day, the African Union Commission called on soldiers involved in the mutiny to return to their barracks.
Units of Niger's Presidential Guard launched the mutiny on Wednesday morning, surrounding the presidential palace in the capital Niamey and blockading the office and residence of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.