Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Sudan Tribune

Plural news and views on Sudan

Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan

September 28, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — A Sudanese military source said today that the weapons carried by the seized Ukrainian ship were destined for South Sudan and not Kenya. These allegations were confirmed by a Kenyan maritime official.

Somali pirates hijacked last Thursday a Belize-flagged ship “Faina” as it neared the Kenyan port of Mombasa carrying a cargo of 33 Soviet-type T-72 tanks, grenade launchers and ammunition.

The Somali pirates demand a ransom 20 USD million to release the cargo ship.

The Sudanese official asserted that the cargo was destined to southern Sudan army adding that it was the second cargo to Juba during this year. He further dismissed reports that these weapons are for Kenya saying all its military equipments are from the US and western countries.

In Nairobi, the government spokesperson, Alfred Mutua said Faina cargo ship was carrying an authorized Ukrainian government arms shipment for the Kenyan army

South Sudan government led by the former rebel SPLM, which signed a peace agreement in 2005 with the Khartoum government ending 21 years of war, is not allowed to buy weapons before getting the approval of the Sudanese presidency.

Andrew Mwangura, head of the East Africa Seafarers Assistance Program from the Kenyan capital, said the Somali pirates claim they captured confidential documents showing that the arms shipment destined to southern Sudan. They threat to divulgate it if they are not paid.

“The pirates are saying that if they are not going to be paid the ransom, they will spill the beans. Maybe they are going to say what is happening in this region because we understand South Sudan is under a United Nations arms embargo and why Kenya allowing the military equipment to pass through Kenyan waters is not known,” Mwangura said.

The Kenyan maritime official further said that the hijacked ship was ferrying the fourth such consignment from Ukrainian to southern Sudan. “One of the cargo arrived at the port of Mombasa in October last year, two in February this year.” He said.

Yesterday, Major General Byor Ajang from the SPLA said that the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) did not order any new weapons. “The SPLA did not have Russian weapons shipments that were on its way here through Kenya” Ajang said.

Piracy is rampant along the 1,880-mile Somali coast, the longest in Africa and located near key shipping routes connecting the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean. A Spanish trawler, a French yacht and several ships carrying humanitarian aid have been seized this year.

At least 55 boats have been attacked in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean since January by Somali pirates, according to the International Maritime Office (IMB).

(ST)

11 Comments

  • Grader
    Grader

    Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan
    Why is the issue of the seized weapons becoming a topic of discussion in the Sudanese media when their Kenyans counterparts do not talk about it? I think our media houses in the Sudanese should learn to behave themselves and bring a halt to the culture of hatred promotion !!

    South Sudan isn’t the most weapon thirsty part of Africa? Why should a global problem in International waters be narrowed down to the innocent people in Juba, Malakal and Wau? … this is what we call a white lie !!!.
    South Sudan is not associated to the consignment whatsoever and take it from me because i’ve reliable sources that i can provide on request if someone ask for details…

    Reply
  • Deng Dekuek

    Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan
    Oh My God SUDAN TRIBUNE EDITOR,

    Southern Sudan, is allowed to buy arms and is exempted from all financial sanctions imposed by Bush administration on Sudan! Even if you go through your own achieves you will see this is true.

    United Nations Security Council Resolution 1556 of July 2004, paragraph 7 – 8 clears states that

    7. (The UNSC) Decides that all states shall take the necessary measures to prevent the sale or supply, to all non-governmental entities and individuals, including the Janjaweed, operating in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur, by their nationals or from their territories or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of
    arms and related materiel of all types, including weapons and ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, paramilitary equipment, and spare parts for the aforementioned, whether or not originating in their territories;

    8. Decides that all states shall take the necessary measures to prevent any
    provision to the non-governmental entities and individuals identified in paragraph 7 operating in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur by their nationals or from their territories of technical training or assistance related to the provision, manufacture, maintenance or use of the items listed in paragraph 7 above;

    Further more, UNSC Resolution 1591 (March 2005)expanded the previous resolution 1556 and ‘reaffirms the measures imposed by paragraphs seven and eight of resolution 1556 (2004),’ and declares that:‘These measures shall immediately, upon adoption of this resolution, also apply to all the parties to the N’Djamena Ceasefire Agreement and any other belliger-ents in the states of North Darfur, South Darfur, and West Darfur’.

    Therefore, you can clearly see that Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and the SPLA are exempted from UN arms embargo and so THE EDITOR should not have published this report in the first place because it is false and based on erroneous information.

    Please do not publish misleading report and thats why there is an editor to reject bogus stories no matter who makes the statement!!

    I suggest you remove the article!

    Reply
  • newpolitiks
    newpolitiks

    Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan
    Thanks Deng for clearing the clouds from this ignorant peoples heads.

    1- There is no arms embargo on south sudan of any kind, the embargo is on darfur janjaweed militias the darfur rebels and the sudan government for the on going war in darfur.Also CPA recognizes both north and south army on equal footings. so there is no restriction whatsoever on south sudan to get the arms if they wanted.

    2- Sudan army have imported tanks, weapons, aircrafts, they have violated airspace and are still killing civilians in Darfur and stop AU, sending money and weapons to somalia islamic courts. So where are this concerned voices?

    3- To the other poster, i want to tell you that whatever weapons Kenya wants to import or buy or sell, that is non of our business here in Sudan or is it the business of any other country, there is no international law which says no country is allowed to buy more arms,as long as it pays for it with its money legally, for your info if you do not know that the leading countries in the UN are the most heavily armed nations in the world,did you see anyone complain? so think about it.

    4- It is wise for editors to be patient and talk time to verify all reports before rushing to post them, Sudan Tribune has published a lot of issues from news to report about Sudan, they should have known better about the CPA and also arms embargo on government and in Darfur, this would give them more credibility and respect when they bring the issue and present it in a proper way that makes sense to all readers in Sudan and abroad.

    5- Kenya should be left to handle its business, it would be unfair and uncalled for to interference in a soveriegn countrys affairs, also Kenya is our neighbour country so we have to suppor them when they are under attack from terrorist in somalia, also we should respect them and let them deal with their issues the way they see fit for themselves, it is not our business to put our eyes into their affairs.

    Reply
  • Agutran
    Agutran

    Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan
    The Khartoum regime intelligent would be the only driving force behind this tribulation, the Somali pirates were just the automobile, but under the control of you know who.

    I may neither confirm nor deny that the weapons were for South Sudan.
    On the other hand I wouldn’t be astonish that Southern Sudan intelligent would have been creep into.

    Reply
  • youngdinka
    youngdinka

    Military, maritime officials say hijacked Ukrainian arms destined to South Sudan
    Muslimists of Somalia and North Sudan . We from Southern Sudan had been sick and tired of your misleading us and trying to enforcing southerners to follow to us…

    We not kids, We have right do whatever we wants we can ship heavily weapons,tanks or aircrafts etc. like you do always buy weapons and aircrafts to kill innocent of Southerner and Westerners aka Darfur.

    As some of us know war aint finish in Sudan until lost children (arabs) have return to where they comes from. It no anyone business.

    Arab people shut your all mouth and go back to toilet and wash your ass with your hand.

    SPLA/M dont worry about they fools (arabs) complaining. we should know arab are addicted to complaining and never mind their affairs or business.

    GOSS is a government in Southern Sudan, No one can rule them if they disagree but no country will even attempt to rule without any permission.

    NCP and North Sudan. SPLA/M never complain about your government , ncp you think GOSS are blind or can’t hear thing. SPLA/M already ,you ncp are buying more heavily weapons ,aircrafts. SPLA/m didn’t make any comment cause they know how adults to manage thing without ccrying like a kids….

    SPLA/M be prepared for war particularily 2011…

    GOSS, SPLA/M oyeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  • Rostyslav DEMCHUK
    Rostyslav DEMCHUK

    The Kenyan military is not ordered the Ukrainian arms
    The Kenyan military is not ordered the Ukrainian arms

    The government and the armed forces of Kenya suddenly made resonant statement, reported the Euro-Atlantic cooperation, that the military cargo seized by pirates «Faina» is not intended for their country.

    The U.S. has already demanded a formal explanation of Kiev, in whose hands really should have hit the Ukrainian weapons. Why Kenyan leadership has otkrestilos of our tanks, was whether the seizure «Faina» accident and that will tell about this «Ukrspetsexport»?

    Rumors that the Ukrainian side to a dry cargo ship «Faina» in the military port of Nikolayev «Oktyabrsky» tanks were loaded with old-fashioned, have not been confirmed. The exception is unless the testimony of one of the pirates, who in a telephone conversation confirmed that the technology really is not new. However, Adviser to the Government of Kenya Alfred Mutua clarified the situation. According to him, preparing a response to a request from the U.S. State Department, Kenyan leadership «previously had a few things clarified about the cargo« Faina », identifying a number of unknown points on the modalities for the implementation of this ill-fated deal». In particular, Mr. Mutua said, that in the «Faina» officially been loaded 33 refurbished T-72M1 and T-72M1K (ie not the old iron, and adapted for the modern battlefield vehicles. – Notes. Avt.). In addition, the vessel is listed more than 1000 tons of small arms, 150 grenade launchers «RPG-7», six anti-aircraft installations «ZU-23», the six systems of salvo fire «City», air defense system Missile-launchers, missiles, ammunition and other weapons.

    Alfred Mutua explained that previously the Government of Kenya has agreed to accept Ukraine goods that weapons do not fall into the hands of pirates (alternative transit point. – Notes. Avt.). But the leadership of the Kenyan Department of Defense has recommended the Government to immediately abandon this ?????, referring to the fact that «Kenya is unacceptable for such a delivery, because the country does not yet have a procedure for import of arms from Ukraine». Moreover, the defense department of Kenya said that the military never conducted training exercises with the use of Soviet tanks and other weapons, which is on the board «Faina». «These are the weapons in its characteristics incompatible with the technique, which is in the arsenals of Kenya», – quoted the Department of Defense to address the Government of Kenya, Alfred Mutua. «Without a doubt, become apparent that this is the Ukrainian arms are intended for transmission of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement and Army (Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement and Army. – Notes. Avt.), As has already been proven a fact confirmed by video that the three deliveries of the types of tanks and other weaponry Southern Sudan, which had been made earlier, should have been done and now », – summed up the Kenyan government adviser. Thus, the leadership of Kenya actually otkrestilos of his previous statements and positions of official Kiev, that the goods «Faina» was their country.
    In that Ukrainian weapons actually was intended for the People’s Liberation Movement, no doubt, and the current government of Southern Sudan in the face of the official in Khartoum. This same view is shared by President P. Kagame of Rwanda. In his view, if «Faina» was to deliver tanks to Kenya, its armed forces would provide reliable protection vessel in the approach to its own territorial waters and did not allow pirates seize ship with so important for the Kenyan armed forces of the load. «In this case, the conduct of military Kenya if not adequate, it is very suspicious. After all, they did not once proved to be brave and experienced soldiers during peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone, Yugoslavia, Eritrea, Darfur, Chad, Congo. Where did he go to the combat experience in the case of a Ukrainian vessel «Faina»? »- Asked the President of Rwanda.

    In turn, the belief that Ukraine intends to sell weapons of Southern Sudan, officially announced and adviser 5 th Nathan Christensen U.S. Navy. His statement was strongly perepoloshilo Washington, with the result that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for African Zhenday Fraser demanded that Ukraine and Kenya, official information about the real addressees of military cargo «Faina».

    However, in view of recent statements, the attitude of the Kenyan military leadership has become in the end is known. It not only ordered the Ukrainian weapons for themselves, but even opposed to the tanks came to the country.If so, you can make a guess who gave the «laying» Somali pirates in our bulk carrier. It is now left to wait a bit to see what this time the defenses put forward by the leaders of the DPP «Ukrspetsexport», the General Directorate MAIs Intelligence, Foreign Intelligence Service and Counterintelligence Security Service.

    Rostyslav DEMCHUK
    Agency For Euro-Atlantic Cooperation

    Reply
  • Rostyslav DEMCHUK
    Rostyslav DEMCHUK

    FAINA! CHRONOLOGY OF CORRUPTION
    FAINA! CHRONOLOGY OF CORRUPTION

    To approach to the disentanglement of corruption schemes Ukrainian haggler weapon is example of long-suffering «Faina». And then to dramatic and even tragic September morning, when a group of Somali pirates took on board dry cargo ship «Faina» under the flag of Belize. Management MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affaers of Ukraine) headed by V. Ogryzko demonstrated in the moment its full helplessness. Here’s how it is – MFA managed that day. From staff reports Agency Euro-Atlantic Cooperation(AEAC):

    « September 25, 2008, 04:13:07 PM «September 25, 2008, 04:13:07 PM

    Off the coasts KENYA AGAIN glowing Ukrainian ship. This time with weapons on aboard

    At St. Michael’s Square, 1 now dominates great tension. According to the source of the Agency ????, AEAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) ware in great boiling pot ! Near Kenyan territorial waters Somali pirates seized a Ukrainian vessel Faina, which carried (yet not known where) over 30 (thirty) T-72 tanks and other military armored vehicles. Therefore, the MFA is now investigating the exact details of the capture vessel employees Kenyan Consulate in Kiev, which, of course, and do not have sufficient information also.Thats why such request MFA of Ukraine appealed to their Greek and British colleagues to provide some information, which as it turned out, in turn, would like to know the flight details and itinerary of the ship “Faina”. There again the question of «Ukrspetsexport» and Gur MO (Military intelligence),because they should know where Ukraine destinated its military armored vehicles, “de facto” and in which country issued the certificate final delivery arms “de jure”. It seems that Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry appealed for more seized Ukrainian ship nafarshyrovanoho tanks and other military equipment on board is not at.Agency also not clear why the Ukrainian vessel with Ukrainian seamen and Russian weapon was under the flag of Belize?

    In case a number of Ukrainian crew members on board the vessel taken by African pirates.

    «Agency AEAC»

    « September 26, 2008, 05:00:19 AM «September 26, 2008, 05:00:19 AM

    « TOMEX OPERATOR OF «FAINA» – COMPANY «TOMEX TEAM » TEAM »

    According to reports from AEAC appeared some details of the capture of the Ukrainian vessel Faina and for members of his crew. Faina to the ship when it was near the territorial waters of Kenya ware surrounded by three boats with armed militants who seized the Ukrainian ship into exile with his team. On board of Ships 17 Ukrainians, 3 Russian citizens and one latvian.

    The vessel “FAINA” goes under the flag of Belize. Coo-broker of the vessel is an international company TOMEX TOMEX TEAM . TEAM.

    « Agency AEAC »

    More search and styny went a bit easier. It appears that «Faina , have very rich and juicy biography. Ship «Faina», class ro-ro was built 31 years ago, in 1978 in Sweden. It goes under the flag of Belize. WAT ? RLUX Owner – Panamanian company WAT E RLUX AG, on the balance of shipping WATERLUX AG company just … only one vessel, which is called FAINA. By this ship called: MARABOU , VALLMO , MATINA , LOVERVAL . MARABOU, VALLMO, MATINA, LOVERVAL. During its time, the ship managed urge on the oceans under the flags of Panama, Lyukseburhu, Belgium, Sweden. Finally on flagshtok ship waves the flag of Belize. During the 31-year of been in sea the vessel managed to change at least six owners, the last of which – Israeli citizen Vadim Alperin.

    Hence! Now the ship FAINA is registered in the company WATERLUX AG in Panama, which has shared the phone with company TOMEX in Odessa. TOMEX involved in the formation of the crew for «Faina». Kommertialoperator «Fayiny» is the other company – KAALBYE SHIPPING UKRAINE, founder of which is the Deputy minster of Transport of Ukraine Igor Urbanskyy. But moste interesting in this story is that the state enterprise «Ukrspetsexport», which specializes in the export of weapons from Ukraine, mostly in «hot spots» world is under the command of Councel of Security and Deffence of Ukraine NSDC, Ministry of Defense, the Department of intelligence in Ministry of Defense in particular is under control SBU (State Security of Ukraine) freights the vessel to transport huge quantities of weapons in Africa through a strange and mysterious Company mediator Carvel Shipping Services Pvt. Ltd , which is registered in … India. Ye-Ye – in India : 1St Floor, Lakshmi House,Kpk Menon Road, Willingdon Island,, Kochi City: Yes, even in India. Here Address: 1St Floor, Lakshmi House, Kpk Menon Road, Willingdon Island,, Kochi City: Kochi Kochi Pincode: 682003 State: Kerala Country: Pincode: 682003 State: Kerala Country: India India Phone No: 2669338/39/3017166 Fax No: 2669341. Phone No: 2669338/39/3017166 Fax No: 2669341.

    Why was done is so special, and suspect and complicated scheme to freight ship with such an important and valuable cargo. Certainly a valuable and dangerous. If Defense Minister Yuriy Yekhanurov estimates the cost of the weapons in 8 -t million dollars, and this: 33 modified T-72 tanks, 7 BTR-m-s, 6-up settings roket fire «Grad», anti-aircraft units, grenade launchers, small arms, machine technical assistance, hundreds of tons of shells for tanks and ammunition for the rifles, the Western experts estimate that at least the cargo costs 120-150 million dollars … the U.S. military intelligence claims that contraband goods that transit through Kenya en route in Southern Sudan, bypassing the UN embargo. Again i want to stress 5 th U.S. Navy is said officially. If this slander, the president of Ukraine musyv would require denial of the United States through international courts. Why does not he? This is not all. Continuation will!

    Rostyslav Demchuk,

    Agency for Euro-Atlantic Cooperation (AEAC)

    Reply
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.