UN responds on accusations of smuggling weapons for rebels using Mombasa port
3 min read
UN Interim Security Force denies reports on shipping weapons through Mombasa port for rebels in the Abyei Box
UN Interim Security Force denies reports on shipping weapons through Mombasa port for rebels in the Abyei Box.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has dismissed reports that it shipped weapons using the Mombasa port to arm rebels operating in the Abyei Box.
The UNSFA in a statement on Sunday, October 8 termed the reports as untrue and claimed they were meant to increase tension in the Abyei region.
“The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is concerned by disinformation circulating online and on social media, falsely accusing the mission of arming local youth in the Abyei Box.
“The false reports alleged that third-party commercial trucks carrying UNISFA contingent-owned equipment, being transported to Abyei from the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, were to be used to equip an armed group operating in Abyei,” read the statement in part.
UNISFA noted that the fake reports forced five trucks transporting UN-owned equipment containing logistics items en route to Abyei to be diverted for inspection by South Sudan’s authorities.
“This action was prompted by inaccurate reports claiming that these trucks were transporting weapons and ammunition. The trucks were subsequently released by the authorities after inspection,” the agency stated.
Calls for the Muslim world to support Palestine in the fight against Israel illegal occupation
Israel pounds Gaza with retaliatory attacks as death toll raises over 1100
Concern over JKIA staff demanding bribes from travelers with tourist visa
US to send military ships, and aircraft to Israel after Hamas attack
Kalonzo responds after Ruto calls on Raila to return favour in 2027 polls
Government to make public a list of most wanted terrorists
UNISFA also disclosed that all logistic supplies that were previously received through the Port of Sudan are currently being shipped through the Port of Mombasa via South Sudan to Abyei, due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
“UNISFA calls on the public to ignore disinformation and desist from spreading it further,” the mission added.
UNISFA has been actively involved in the Abyei region since a 2011 diplomatic intervention led by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon that resulted in a trilateral agreement involving Sudan, South Sudan and the UN.
This after years of both nations vying for control over the border region.
Consequently, the consensus reached was that a third party (UNISFA) should be introduced to oversee the Abyei area.
The force was mandated to monitor and verify the redeployment of Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army from the Abyei area.
Since then, UNISFA has been charged with facilitating humanitarian aid delivery and enabling the free movement of aid workers within the region with the authority to use force when necessary.
Also read,
Ex-Mungiki leader Maina Njenga save Kanini Kega from hostile crowd
Ruto signs privatisation bill, 2023 denying parliament say on sale of state parastatals
Safaricom fires employees over M-Pesa fraud
Ruto in New York Times piece asks for up to 20-year moratorium on repayment of foreign debt
DP Gachagua is a good leader, means well for Kenya; Pastor Dorcas
I’m not apologetic! DP Gachagua defiant over government shareholding remarks
DP Gachagua opens up on speculations over fallout with Ruto
Follow us
