UN says seized arms are legitimate cargo

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) upon his arrival in Abuja, Nigeria, on August 23, 2015. Firearms seized in a ship at the port of Mombasa last week were declared in the bill of lading but not in the manifest, the UN has said. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • A statement from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon’s spokesperson said the weapons were legitimate and declared cargo.
  • Though there were reports that the weapons could have been destined for Juba in South Sudan, the UN spokesperson said they were destined for a UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • The shipping company, on Thursday, said it was not aware of the deadly cargo.

Firearms seized in a ship at the port of Mombasa last week were declared in the bill of lading but not in the manifest, the UN has said.

The world body on Thursday said a request was sent by the contractor responsible for the shipment to the ship’s agent in Mombasa to amend the manifest but as this was not possible, a declaration of the weapons accompanying the military vehicles was attached.

A statement from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon’s spokesperson said the weapons were legitimate and declared cargo.

Though there were reports that the weapons could have been destined for Juba in South Sudan, the UN spokesperson said they were destined for a UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

PROPER PACKAGING
The UN said the weapons were not concealed but had been dismantled from the armoured personnel carriers (APCs) for proper packaging.

“It is normal for weapons attached to APCs to be dismantled and placed inside the carriers to avoid damage,” the statement pointed out.

The spokesperson said the UN had communicated this to Kenya’s Foreign Affairs ministry.

“It is unfortunate that Kenyan authorities inspected the cargo without a UN presence, which runs contrary to established protocol,” the statement indicated.

On Thursday, Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet said he was not aware of any communication.

“The ship was doing normal deliveries but we got wind it was carrying items that were not authorised in this country. That is why it was seized and searched,” he said.

NO DRUGS
The UN denied that drugs were found on the ship. Mr Boinnet said the white powder had been sent to the Government Chemist.

The shipping company, on Thursday, said it was not aware of the deadly cargo.

It, however, said it was concerned the ship might be sunk. "

"Kenya has sunk two vessels for carrying illegal items such as drugs. The Hoegh Transporter is, however, a very large vessel and sinking it could have diplomatic ramifications,” the company said.