Food shortage: UN ship carrying Ukraine grain leaves for Ethiopia

The United Nations says the first shipment conveying over 23,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the Ukrainian port will head to Africa in the coming days.

The shipment would be the first humanitarian food aid cargo bound for Africa since the Russia- Ukraine war.

The development is coming a few weeks after Russia and Ukraine signed separate agreements with Turkey and the United Nations to enable the export of millions of tons of grains needed across the world.

According to a report by Reuters, Denise Brown, UN resident coordinator in Ukraine, said the UN-chartered ship Brave Commander will depart Ukraine for Africa in the coming days.

The shipment will take place after it finishes loading more than 23,000 metric tonnes of wheat in the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi.

Brown said the grain was “urgently needed in Ethiopia”.

He also said the UN would work to ensure continued shipments to countries around Africa, especially to those facing famine and sharply higher food prices.

“On a very, very personal note, for any mothers who might be listening, seeing the hunger in a child is very painful,” the UN official said.

“Hunger, malnutrition is physically very, very painful.

“It’s up to all of us to help these children.”

Brown also said the authorities were looking at using rail to augment the shipments as the Ukrainian authority plans to open a new truck route to Poland.

“We look at this … in a very positive way. We’re optimistic,” Brown added.

Two weeks ago, the first shipment of Ukrainian grain left the port of Odessa (a seaport in southern Ukraine).

A total of 16 ships have now departed from Ukraine, according to authorities at the port.

Part of the deal with Russia is to allow Ukraine to export 22 million tons of grain and other agricultural products stuck in Black Sea ports due to the war.