UN Refutes Weapons Shipping Allegations via Mombasa Port
The United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA) has refuted claims that Mombasa Port is being used to transport munitions used to arm rebel groups in the disputed Abyei region on the border between Sudan and South Sudan.
The agency clarified that the allegations were false by clarifying that the Port of Mombasa was used exclusively to transport UNISFA equipment and supplies.
They went on to clarify that the ongoing conflict in the region prevented them from using the port in Sudan.
“The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is concerned about disinformation circulating online and on social media, falsely accusing the mission of arming local youth in the Abyei Box,” stated UNISFA.
“The false reports claimed that third-party commercial trucks transporting UNISFA-owned equipment from the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, to Abyei, would be used to equip an armed group operating in Abyei.”
In addition, UNISFA urged the public to disregard the allegations, claiming that they were intended to tarnish the reputation of the force and escalate tensions in Abyei.
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Unfortunately, the allegations have disrupted the force’s operations, leading to the inspection and recall of UNISFA-equipped vehicles.
“Separately, another cargo of five trucks, transporting UN-owned equipment containing logistics items en route to Abyei from Wau, was diverted back to Wau for inspection by South Sudan’s authorities. Inaccurate reports alleging that these trucks were transporting weapons and ammunition prompted this action, UNISFA disclosed.
Since the 2011 diplomatic intervention led by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon that resulted in a trilateral agreement between Sudan, South Sudan, and the UN, UNISFA has been actively involved in the Abyei region.
This occurred after years of competition over the border region.
Therefore, it was determined that a third party (UNISFA) should be introduced to supervise the Abyei region.
The mission of the force was to monitor and verify the redeployment of the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army from the Abyei region.
Since that time, UNISFA has been tasked with facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and facilitating the free movement of assistance workers within the region, with the authority to use force if necessary.
UN Refutes Weapons Shipping Allegations via Mombasa Port
