Food security crises due to Russia-Ukraine war could trigger unrest and rio

Washington: Russia-Ukraine war is likely to have a long-term impact on the Middle Eastern and African countries. Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Tunisia, which are dependent on food imports from Russia, are likely to face severe food shortages leading to unrest and riots. Various international organisations and analysts have warned of searing inflation resulting in large scale immigration from countries in the Middle East and North Africa to Europe.

Egypt is already facing the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. Egypt imports 80% of its wheat from Russia and Ukraine. The war has disrupted the supply, causing a severe food security crisis in Egypt. Neighbouring countries are helping Egypt to overcome the situation. Egypt is now looking at India to fulfil its demand for wheat.

International analysts point out that Lebanon and Tunisia, which are already grappling with a financial crisis, will have to face searing inflation due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Lebanon imports 60% of its wheat, whereas Tunisia imports 80% of the pulses from Russia-Ukraine. Unmanageable inflation is a growing concern for Lebanon and Tunisia, which are already in huge debts.

Economic analysts have warned that Lebanon will face famine if the situation remains the same, and a food crisis could trigger riots in the country. International analysts have warned that food crisis and inflation could lead to large scale migration from the north African countries to Europe.