News today: “Malawi set to clear Zimbabwe arms”
The Nyasa Times has this report today and it seems a lot more plausible to me than yesterday’s Hollywood-style information regarding Venezula:
Malawi government has sent a top three man national intelligence experts to Angola to look at ways of helping Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe clear the weapons aboard the beleaguered Chinese ship that has docked in Luanda, Angola, Nyasa Times has learnt.
The Malawi team is comprised of Mr Clement Kapalamula - Head of Secret Intelligence Services (SIS), Mr George Masinga - Acting Director of Foreign Relations (Intelligence) and a Mr Matanga - Technical Engineer (Intelligence).
The delegation left the country on Sunday through Kamuzu International Airport via South Africa to Luanda, Angola’s capital to assess the means of clearing the arms in disguise as if they have been donated to Malawi by the Chinese Defence Forces.
“Malawi Secret Intelligence Services (SIS) was approached by the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) of Zimbabwe to help in clearing the arms if the ship docked in Angola,” said a State House source speaking on condition of anonymity.
Thanks for the alert Sandra.
UPDATE - Portuguese letter to send (Thanks CC and Bruno!)
Prezado Senhor [complete name],
[Position if known]
O jornal NYASA TIMES, de Maláui, informou em 29 de Abril 2008, que três funcionários de alta patente desse país foram enviados a Luanda para tratar da liberação de armas destinadas ao Zimbábue, que teriam sido trazidas pelo cargueiro An Yue Jiang.
Os três funcionários seriam o Senhor Clement Kapalamula, Diretor dos Servicos Secretos de Inteligência (SIS), o Senhor George Masinga, Diretor das Relações Exteriores (Inteligência) e o Senhor Matanga, Engenheiro Técnico (Inteligência).
Essa notícia causou-me grande surpresa, pois contraria o comunicado de sexta-feira 25 de Abril de 2008 do Presidente da República de Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, que garantiu que essas armas não seriam descarregadas em terrirório nacional.
Peço sua atenção para esta informação, que se verdadeira causará grande repercussão na comunidade internacional.
A comunidade internacional vem acompanhando com muito interesse a atuação do Governo e dos cidadãos angolanos, assim como dos demais membros da SADC, para impedir que o carregamento de armas trazido pelo navio An Yue Jiang chegue ao Zimbábue, posto as implicações que isso traria à já delicada situação do país e ao sofrimento por que passa seu povo.
A comunidade internacional anseia para que o povo do Zimbábue possa viver em pleno Estado de Direito e Paz, como o que reina hoje em Angola, e sabe que para isso o apoio de seus países vizinhos é fundamental.
Agradeço desde já a atenção dispensada e fico no aguardo de vossa resposta quanto à confirmação da notícia aqui reportada.
Muito cordialmente,
[Your name]
April 29th, 2008 11:23
The wounded buffalo strikes again… Malawian human rights groups have been very supportive of MDC and democracy in Zim… we need to get to them. And Angola… though presumably the arms are already now in storage somewhere in Luanda?
April 29th, 2008 11:43
Wow, that would be silly of them. What can we do to confirm this and then get into the world?
April 29th, 2008 12:06
I’ve added these to the database:
Malawi Human Rights Commission
H.B. House
Private Bag 378, Capital City
Lilongwe 3, Malawi
Phone.: (265) 01 750 900/ 01 750 958
Fax: (265) 01 750 943
Email: info@malawihrc.org
Malawi Congress of Trade Unions
Secretary General
P.O. Box 1271
Lilongwe
Malawi
Fax +265-1-752162
Phone +265-1-755614 754581
E-mail mctusecretariat@mctumw.com
April 29th, 2008 12:07
We’re getting conflicting stories now. The reports have been saying that the ship is on it’s way back to China and now this one says it’s still in Luanda and Malawi is going to assist??? What is it? Where is the ship and what is the status on the 2nd order of more sofisticated arms that were scheduled to be flown in from Beijing? Anyone…?
April 29th, 2008 12:09
As Zimbabwe is on agenda at Commonwealth, ACP-EU and UN today, we need to email all about this new attempt to get the arms to Mugabe. If we’re quick enough there could be immediate pressure.
I think the news is highly likely rather than rumour as Mutharika also has farm in zim, given by Mugabe, as well as supplying groceries and naming that major road after Mugabe a couple of months ago!
Good on the Nyasa Times for publishing it!
April 29th, 2008 12:12
Bruno’s message under Action against the ship may also be relevant to the above. If anybody has contact with SIMA it might help if they could verify if the crates will be transported from the harbour to Huambo, there is an airport there. Should the cargo be transported by road it could take days. They would want to airlift it. If not from Luanda, most certainly from Huambo. It is a possibility, I think. Have been very worried about Bruno’s message.
April 29th, 2008 12:30
This is getting to be a mighty costly shipment..
A good sign that the news leaked out, at least?
April 29th, 2008 13:00
Malawi Congress of Trade Unions is affiliated to the regional grouping ITUC-Africa. But this is headquartered in Kenya, so you may not obviously find it in the database hence this comment (and realisation f refinements to database that need to be made)…
ITUC-Africa / CSI-Afrique,
Kenya Re Towers - 4th Floor,
Upper Hill, Off Ragati Road
P.O. Box 67273,
Nairobi - Kenya
Phone: +254 - 20-2710310 / 340046 / 2717324 Fax: +254 - 20-2215072 / 2710302,
Email : info@ituc-africa.org
April 29th, 2008 13:22
For interest - this extract from an article written on the 17th, in relation to the SADC meeting in Zambia:
[link]
April 29th, 2008 13:26
I would also suggest contacting - Malawi Centre for Advice, Malawi on Phone: +265 634 261
or 636 007
Mail: malawicarer@malawi.net
Physical Address:
Malawi Centre for Advice and Education on Rights (CARER)
P O Box 30479
BLANTYRE
Malawi
They are members of SALAN - Southern African Legal Assistance Network - also a good resource to have on the database if they are not already there. They may be able to help because if this is the case we need to act fast. I will add them to the database send them an email.
April 29th, 2008 14:09
Malawi is, and has been for many years, largely dependant on SA. It might mean we’d have to look a SA trade unions as the Zimbabwean people’s voice and champion.
It is evident that African leaders feel complelled to show principles in order to establish credibilty, but rather than be participants in the same race,they will adopt stances that are at variance with appropriate sensitivity and good judgement. The rationale is that adopting any old principle suffices. African leaders will consistently be found trailing is the world arena because they defend their gross civil ineptitude by pointing accusing fingers at western shortfalls. Africa will continue to be paid no more than lip service and be lent a jaundiced ear in world affairs if they persist in justifying and maintaining their inabilities and failings for no other reason that they can find fault with America or Britain. African leaders seem unable to balance action and words. Once Africa gets in the same lifeboat as others instead of paddling off into the sunset alone, the continent may make some headway.
Malawi is a recipient of debt relief through being classed as a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC.) Development is all about ecconomics and Africa cannot abide by the fact that you have to dance to the tune of the fiddler (unfortnate choice of a word!)
Can Malawi afford a bad character reference on top of its bad credit check. The answer is probably it wont matter because the West’s African finance system is undermined by repressive guilt complexes. I would love to find such a bank manager, so that I can insult and berate him and still get my loan.
April 29th, 2008 14:16
I am tired of writing emails so I decided to ring up the Malawi High Commission in London.
The High Commissioner’s Secretary nearly choked on her tea when she heard what I wanted to ask. She asked me to call the Consul, and she gave me the number.
We had polite and friendly conversation. He said he wasn’t aware of the report. I cheerfully pointed out that their mission at the UN is probably being flooded by emails as we spoke and that the British press are likely to be ringing him soon.
He said no comment for now but he would check the net. It is hell being a diplomat. They are often the last to know what is going on.
But I feel invigorated for that chat. Now the Netherlands Embassy?
Mix it up guys. It keeps the juices going.
April 29th, 2008 14:27
The Netherlands Embassy in London was also friendly and said they will do some digging. It is good to call these guys!
April 29th, 2008 14:39
Scotchcart, that’s genius.
April 29th, 2008 14:42
It is genius. What is especially great is the way you fed it back - very encouraging.
But ARE the press onto it? Maybe need to switch to phoning the media a bit too to give them a ‘heads-up’?
CC - please check this comment here
April 29th, 2008 15:06
Great work, Scotchcart!
April 29th, 2008 15:36
Being of suspicious mind is the announcment on the news just announced on BBC via reuter calling the oppisition to come and verify the ZEC results is this where the weapons are going to be used Please Morgan get a helmet and full body armour suit if you are going back to Zimbabwe to verify these results…..and don’t be worried about how you look we all understand..Scotchcart….audacity pays well done….I guess they don’t get the Nyasa Times in the Malawian Embassy…..
April 29th, 2008 17:01
Have you seen this?
Mugabe rules out unity govt
http://www.24.com/news/?p=tsa&i=902614
and
Verification will only start on Thursday.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29805112.htm
Let us pray that the UN will do something from their side.
April 29th, 2008 17:13
OK - I have just spoken to the Secretary of the Foreign Ministry in Angola informing them of this story, of which they didn’t seem to be aware.
They want links to the journal etc. in writing - the woman seemed unsure. Their email is not working,
I need someone with a fax machine NOW while they are still in the office. I do not have one or access to one.
They have given me two fax numbers
+244 222 395778
+244 222 395136
I’ll draft a Portuguese letter and post it here right away. Then I’ll carry on ringing Angola numbers.
Please let’s make it happen. They do have the information, but they did ask for verification of this in writing.
April 29th, 2008 17:27
The link below is to Time magazine and states in part -
Last Friday, a South African newspaper reported that Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos, a longtime Mugabe ally, was ready to send his troops to the Zimbabwean ruler’s aid if necessary.
http://tinyurl.com/5bx7pw
April 29th, 2008 17:32
The Red Cross has recently signed an agreement with Malawi:
\x806 million partnership deal between Irish Aid & International Federation.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/irishredcr/f8cfb4f680e1fd3dacc61881b4695ac7.htm
This money will be used to help people in West Africa and in Malawi, with \x80600,000 of this specifically earmarked for Irish Red Cross projects and the balance for use by the International Federation on its projects in Africa.
“Under this partnership, Irish Aid is strengthening and deepening our strategic relationship with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Irish Aid will provide \x806 million over two years to the International Federation one of our most important partners in responding to humanitarian crises,” said Minister Kitt.’
Seems that we should contact the Red Cross.
Irish Red Cross:
Home country: Ireland
Contact: Aoife Mac Eoin
Title: National Communications Officer
Telephone: 00 - 353 - 1 - 676 5135
Email: amaceoin@redcross.ie
Website: http://www.redcross.ie
Press contact details:
Name: Aoife Mac Eoin
Telephone: 00 - 353 - 1 - 676 5135
Email: amaceoin@redcross.ie
AND
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:
New York Delegation to the UN
International Federation
800 Second Avenue
Suite 355, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10017
USA
Telephone: +1 (212) 338 0161
Fax: +1 (212) 338 9832
April 29th, 2008 17:48
Mugabe never says never..
April 29th, 2008 17:57
A suggestion for the fax and for emails (just add ‘Senhor’) to Angola:
Querida Senhora,
NOTICIA DA HISTORIA DAS ARMAS PARA ZIMBABWE
NYASA TIMES, Malawi, 29. Avril 2008:
Um funcionario anonimo do governo de Malawi disse, que Senhor Clement Kapalamula, Diretor das servicos de inteligência secretos (SIS), Governo de Malawi, George Masinga, Diretor das Relacoes Exteriores (Inteligencia), Governo de Malawi e Senhor Matanga, coordenador técnico (Inteligencia), Governo de Malawi, estam en Angola hoje para ajudar ou assistir Robert Mugabe enviar as armas do navio An Yue Jiang para Zimbabue.
Esta ação podia ser ilegal sob a lei internacional.
Por favor, verifique a informação.
Muita gente em torno do mundo está seguindo a história da transição difícil de Zimbabue à democracia. Eu sou incentivado muito e orgulhoso da bondade e dos esforços dos cidadãos de Angola e de SADC que trabalham juntos para proteger os povos de Zimbabwe contra violência adicional.
Eu agradeço-o lendo esta mensagem.
[Any corrections or suggestions would be most welcome!]
April 29th, 2008 17:58
I have jus ben reading a commment iri ku zim daily from a writer we HERALD which says there have been told to publish a story yekuti some of M.D.C officials have been caught with tonnes of arms in their homes , the likes of Chamisa and all .hanzi the plan is that the C.I.O wil plant the arms in these guys homes then Z.BC wil then broadcast this for weeks jus like the NKALA item if u remember it went on for months on national tv, and then the Chamisaz wil be arrested and made to rot in jail.Paradzai Zimondi has already cleared three cells for them.I do not know how true this is but I feel it could be true consideringthe fact that they has been an attempt to arrest those guys…
April 29th, 2008 18:06
OK - emails should very definitely be addressed, “Estimado Senhor ou Senhora”,
April 29th, 2008 18:18
Should an arms shipment reach Zimbabwe and be used to commit crimes against humanity that keep Mugabe in power, there are consequences.
An infamous event in the record of preventable crimes would include a permanent sully on the reputation of the country that enabled it. The word “Malawi” would conjure a permanently stained image not befitting its kind people.
The individuals involved would themselves be eligible for charges of crimes against humanity. Watch out, Mr Clement Kapalamula, Head of Secret Intelligence Services (SIS), Mr George Masinga, Acting Director of Foreign Relations (Intelligence) and Mr Matanga - Technical Engineer (Intelligence). Mr Matanga, engineers are included in enabling crimes against humanity. Better to rethink this before acting.
April 29th, 2008 18:34
Fantastic, Scotchcart!!
Sokwanele, i really don’t think the press are onto it. apparently they bought the Angola’s Goverment communication.
Last news from the NYT about the shipment (27/04): “in a slap to Zimbabwe, its longtime ally Angola announced Saturday that a Chinese ship bearing arms for Zimbabwe would not be allowed to unload the weapons while it docked in Luanda”.
I also couldn’t find anything new neither in The Indenpendent nor The Guardian.
Phoning the media as well is definitely a good idea.
April 29th, 2008 19:06
Malawi is deepening trade and investment ties with China as part of a larger strategy to diversify its agriculture-dominated economy and increase its bargaining power in the international tobacco market, the country’s trade minister said late on Thursday.
According to news reports, China will provide $287 million in aid to Malawi during the next five years, a far cry from the $6 billion that had been touted when the two countries formally established diplomatic relations late last year.
It seems we are talking about China everyday. Is this relationship good for Malawi?.
Is this why Malawi is going to help Zimbabwe get the arms…..???????
April 29th, 2008 19:24
Hi,
Initially i would suggest just one or two correction, but in the end i’ve changed a lot o things… but is just another suggestion.
—-
Prezado Senhor [complete name],
[Position if known]
O jornal NYASA TIMES, de Maláui, informou em 29 de Abril 2008, que três funcionários de alta patente desse país foram enviados a Luanda para tratar da liberação de armas destinadas ao Zimbábue, que teriam sido trazidas pelo cargueiro An Yue Jiang.
Os três funcionários seriam o Senhor Clement Kapalamula, Diretor dos Servicos Secretos de Inteligência (SIS), o Senhor George Masinga, Diretor das Relações Exteriores (Inteligência) e o Senhor Matanga, Engenheiro Técnico (Inteligência).
Essa notícia causo-me grande surpresa, pois contraria o comunicado de sexta-feira 25 de Abril de 2008 do Presidente da República de Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, que garantiu que essas armas não seriam desgarregadas em terrirório nacional.
Peço sua atenção para esta informação, que se verdadeira causará grande repercussão na comunidade internacional.
A comunidade internacional vem acompanhando com muito interesse a atuação do Governo e dos cidadãos angolanos, assim como dos demais membros da SADC, para impedir que o carregamento de armas trazido pelo navio An Yue Jiang chegue ao Zimbábue, posto as implicações que isso traria à já delicada situação do país e ao sofrimento por que passa seu povo.
A comunidade internacional anseia para que o povo do Zimbábue possa viver em pleno Estado de Direito e Paz, como o que reina hoje em Angola, e sabe que para isso o apoio de seus países vizinhos é fundamental.
Agradeço desde já a atenção dispensada e fico no aguardo de vossa resposta quanto à confirmação da notícia aqui reportada.
Muito cordialmente,
[Your name]
April 29th, 2008 19:38
Hi, would someone mind posting the Portuguese letters in English for us. Thanks very much. I’m taking the last one and including it as an update on the main post for everyone to find more easily.
April 29th, 2008 19:39
YES thank you Bruno that is a great letter!!!
Have you got a fax machine…?
April 29th, 2008 19:44
We here in S.A are flooded with Chinese clothing and cheap goods, that is why we have no more clothing factories, the best clothing seamstresses in the world unemployed,a high unemployment rate, and we are forced to buy these cheaply made clothing. We don’t need the Chinese in Africa. We must take a stand about that. The arms must go back where it came from and as far as trading with them, we can produce our own goods and create employment that way.What is wrong with our African leaders ? They are just out to help themselves and forgetting what it means to be a leader serving the people.
April 29th, 2008 19:52
CC,
Unfortunately not right now, I’m at the moment in a small cyber and will have to leave very soon… No fax at home as well…
How can we do with the english tranlation? I can try but will definitely need some corrections…
April 29th, 2008 20:02
Sorry guys,
have to leave right now…
CC, can you continue with the english translation?
obs: the letter was written in formal, but Brazilian Portuguese. Any revision in Angolan or Portugal’s Portuguese, suggestion or correction would be most welcome.
April 29th, 2008 20:09
I phoned the Cape Times (Independent Newspapers). Newsroom person who answered thanked me for calling and sounded interested. I suggested she check out the Nyasa Times, they can at least do that. And that perhaps news organisations have been too ready to accept Angolan Government communiques.
Journalists in SA seem to have noticed that Zimbabwe news headlines sell newspapers!!
April 29th, 2008 20:23
Hi
I just received an email from SDNP who I got in contact with through the Salan network telling me that they have heard about the news and are in the process of approaching their government to verify. Will keep you posted.
April 29th, 2008 20:51
Some Newspaper contacts:
Dr. Manuel da Conceição
Director Geral da ANGOP - AngolaPress
mc2angop@yahoo.com.br
Dra. Luisa Pedro Francisco Damião
Directora Geral Adjunto de Informação da ANGOP - AngolaPress
ludamiao@angop.ao
AngoNotícias
geral@angonoticias.com
Dr.José Ribeiro
Director do Jornal de Angola
jornaldeangola@nexus.ao
Dr.Filomeno Manaças
Director Adjunto do Jornal de Angola
jornaldeangola@nexus.ao
————
Some politics’ contacts:
Dr. João Bernardo de Miranda
Ministro das Relações Exteriores da República de Angola
geral@mirex.gov.ao
Embaixador da República de Angola em Londres
ambassador@angola.org.uk, embassy@angola.org.uk
Dra. Josefina Pitra Diakité
Embaixador da República de Angola no U.S.A.
angola@angola.org
Dr. Roberto Víctor de Almeida
Presidente da Assembleia Nacional
assembleianacional@parlamento.ebonet.net.
Dr. Diogo Jorge de Jesus
Secretário-Geral da Assembleia Nacional
ssgan@parlamento.ebonet.net
Telef: (244.2)332540
Fax: ( 244.2)331118
Dr. José António
Director de Assessoria Jurídica da Assembleia Nacional
gaj@parlamento.ebonet.net
Telef:( 244.2)335921
Fax: ( 244.2)331118
Dr. Aires do Rosário
Director de Apoio Parlamentar da Assembleia Nacional
dap@parlamento.ebonet.net
Telef:( 244.2)
Fax: ( 244.2)331118
Dr. Yaba Pedro Alberto
Director de Relações Públicas, Protocolo e Relações Internacionais da Assembleia Nacional
ddirpri@parlamento.ebonet.net
Tel. . ( 244. 2 ) 393185
Fax . ( 244.2 ) 331118
April 29th, 2008 21:39
Sokwanele: i’m back. I was allerted that there are two small mistakes in the letter. Could you correct them for me please, replacing the original letter by the one that follows bellow?
Thanks.
—-
Prezado Senhor [complete name],
[Position if known]
O jornal NYASA TIMES, de Maláui, informou em 29 de Abril 2008, que três funcionários de alta patente desse país foram enviados a Luanda para tratar da liberação de armas destinadas ao Zimbábue, que teriam sido trazidas pelo cargueiro An Yue Jiang.
Os três funcionários seriam o Senhor Clement Kapalamula, Diretor dos Servicos Secretos de Inteligência (SIS), o Senhor George Masinga, Diretor das Relações Exteriores (Inteligência) e o Senhor Matanga, Engenheiro Técnico (Inteligência).
Essa notícia causou-me grande surpresa, pois contraria o comunicado de sexta-feira 25 de Abril de 2008 do Presidente da República de Angola, José Eduardo dos Santos, que garantiu que essas armas não seriam descarregadas em terrirório nacional.
Peço sua atenção para esta informação, que se verdadeira causará grande repercussão na comunidade internacional.
A comunidade internacional vem acompanhando com muito interesse a atuação do Governo e dos cidadãos angolanos, assim como dos demais membros da SADC, para impedir que o carregamento de armas trazido pelo navio An Yue Jiang chegue ao Zimbábue, posto as implicações que isso traria à já delicada situação do país e ao sofrimento por que passa seu povo.
A comunidade internacional anseia para que o povo do Zimbábue possa viver em pleno Estado de Direito e Paz, como o que reina hoje em Angola, e sabe que para isso o apoio de seus países vizinhos é fundamental.
Agradeço desde já a atenção dispensada e fico no aguardo de vossa resposta quanto à confirmação da notícia aqui reportada.
Muito cordialmente,
[Your name]
April 29th, 2008 22:35
What about contacting opposition parties in Malawi?
I found these details for The United Democratic Front:
http://www.liberal-international.org/editorial.asp?ia_id=758#
United Democratic Front (UDF) - Malawi
Address: Chipembere Highway
PO Box 5946
Limbe
Malawi
Telephone: +265.1.645 314
Fax: +265.1.645 354
E-mail: cyberproject@udfparty.com
Leader: Bakili Muluzi
Secretary General: Kennedy Makwangala
April 29th, 2008 23:04
Bruno - hehe was just checking about the fax!!
Yes no probs will have the translation up in 5
Thank you again!
April 30th, 2008 00:05
Sorry Hope! I duplicated a sentence! Here’s a better version:
Dear Sir or Madam / [Insert names]
The NYASA TIMES newspaper of Malawi wrote on the 29th of April 2008, [Bruno – perhaps 'quoting a government source'] that three high-ranking Malawian officials had been sent to Luanda to facilitate the release of weapons destined for Zimbabwe which had originally been intended for delivery by the freighter An Yue Jiang. The three officials in question are Mr Clement Kapalamula - Head of Secret Intelligence Services (SIS), Mr George Masinga - Acting Director of Foreign Relations (Intelligence) and a Mr Matanga - Technical Engineer (Intelligence).
I noted this news with great surprise because it directly contradicts the official statement made by the President of Angola, Jose Eduardo Dos Santos on Friday the 25th of April, 2008, that the weapons would not be unloaded in Angolan territory.
I bring this information to your attention because, if correct, it could cause great repercussions in the international community. The international community is following the efforts of the Angolan people and Government, as well as SADC, to hinder the shipment of weapons brought into Angola by the ship “An Yue Jiang” with destination Zimbabwe, very closely indeed. In light of Zimbabwe’s fragile situation, this shipment could entail grave consquences for an already suffering people.
The international community yearns for the day the people of Zimbabwe can live in peace under the rule of law, such as you enjoy in Angola, and knows that basic support from its neighbouring countris is vital.
Thank you for your time. I would greatly appreciate any confirmation.
Yours faithfully,
[insert name]
April 30th, 2008 00:10
Added to database - Malawi newspapers
The Daily Times - (+265?) 01 871 697
dailytimes@bnl.bppmw.com
Malawi News - 01 871 697
malawinews@bnl.bppmw.com
The Sunday Times- 01 870 637
sundaytimes@mail.com
April 30th, 2008 02:51
I’ ve just sent the message below to the general and foreign editors of The Independent and will do the same with others british and american newspaper.
I hope my english was not too bad (any big mistake?), but anyway i think we really need to put the big media on it.
(CC, you’re very welcome)
—
Dear Editors,
As I haven’t found anything about the An Yue Jiang’s shipment for the last 3 days inside The Independent I’ve decided to look for more information in the web. I’ve found the link to the article below from the NYASA TIMES in one African blog (This is Zimbabwe) and was really shocked by the news.
I had first learnt that the 77 t. of arms might have been unload in Angola last Saturday, reading the LUSA (http://www.agencialusa.com.br/index.php?iden=15654).
Is this true??? If not, where are those arms? Why have them disappeared from the pages of this newspaper?
I am looking forward to read about this important question in your next edition.
Yours sincerely
(…)
April 30th, 2008 03:26
I’ve sent more or less the same message, with some variations - including congratulations for the coverage and asking if they could check this information - for the Guardian (UK), The Times (UK) and The NYT.
I think we really have to press the media to find out very are those arms and put it on the big news.
good night see u tomorrow.
April 30th, 2008 06:36
well done. at least you are proactive and doing something constructive. keep it up from down under. tichakunda
April 30th, 2008 08:42
Sometimes I have always been cautious with stories from Nyasatimes. They are most of the times not credible. Its all propaganda to demonise the current leardership. can one try to check with Mtumodzi Chikumbutso to hear his side of the story.
If indeed malawi is set to clear the arms, it ia a sad story.
Kalonga Masamba
April 30th, 2008 09:04
So have we read about the political state of affairs in Malawi? They are nearly as in bad a state as we are their parliment was elected and can’t stand because their man wont stand down either…..Why would any international body expect them to do anything different… like peas in a pod SADC I saw on the news that China’s exports to Europe are worth 150 billion and Europes to them 50 billion and that they are a very important trade alies to Europe…..I sent the link nyasa times to avaaz who are running the campaign Right for Zimbabwe not guns they do have clout and are running the campaign in conjunction with oxfam and other oganisations….have you read the comments on the Nyasa link very interesting….
April 30th, 2008 11:22
Great work guys and thanks for the encouragement of yesterday.
UNSC went as expected - blocked by SA, China, Russia, Libya, Vietnam. Next week the Presidency rotates to UK and the debate is expected to be in an open not closed session. We go on.
The good news. Zimbabwe came 4th at the short course swimming championships - behind USA, Australia and Netherlands.
Of course, Kirsty did everything! 4 golds, 1 bronze and 3 world records.
Well done! She is also amazing diplomatic. Way to go girl! Keep the flag flying. Success reminds people that all Zimbabweans are worth supporting.
As for me, I am not Kirsty - can’t swim fast, can’t do anything spectacular, but I can keep the pressure up one email/phone call at a time.
I want to know that every young Zimbabwean can dream, strive, and in turn help the next generation dream, strive, hope, laugh . .
April 30th, 2008 11:28
Shame on you all, so Mugabe wants to import some arms, whats wrong with that?. Oh, suddenly you are all bothered about mugabes human rights abuses. Like suddenly this is news and you have seen the light???
You zimbo’s are too useless to do anything about it anyway. Mug boy’s aides read this and burst out laughing because next week you all go back to wherever you belong with your tails between your legs.
April 30th, 2008 13:16
Hi
I just heard word from SDNP whom I mentioned yesterday.
It seems the first few sources they got in contact with on the Malawi end have confirmed the story. However, they are still waiting for further verification from Offices of the President, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cabinet. All these offices have already been written to but have not responded.
They have requested that we add our voices to their request.
I am getting a sinking feeling and I really think that we should all communicate with these offices perhaps modify the letter for the Angolan officials and direct it to the above Malawian authorities.
April 30th, 2008 13:44
I have been in telephone contact with both the Irish Red Cross and Irish Aid (an official Government agency, providing the funding for Malawi).
I have sent them links to the Nyasa Times article, and emphasised the humanitarian implications of those arms being channelled through Malawi to Zimbabwe.
April 30th, 2008 13:47
Great work Shami. Please remind me who SNDP are. I added SALAN to the database yesterday but I don’t *think* I have SNDP in there.
If they are verifying the story then we need to push harderd.
Also, as soon as I’ve cleared a bit of work to do today I’m going to try and contact the press, but I am limited to email.
Can those who can phone journalists do so and post feedback here. I think if you can actually find a jounro-name to call and phone them directly then that’s the way to go. Refer them back to this thread for all the details.
If the Malawi story is correct, the Press are still not onto it.
April 30th, 2008 13:51
Interesting response in Nyasa Times:
http://www.nyasatimes.com/opinion/130.html
Malawi Mission to Angola: Aiding and Abetting A Tyrant?
‘Reminiscent of the movie “Blood Diamonds”; the Malawi Government has decided to meddle in Zimbabwean internal affairs by sending its intelligence officials to clear on Mugabe’s behalf the contraband from China, in Luanda-Angola, despite the international calls not to allow the ship carrying the arms to offload anywhere in the world except in China.’ etc.
A little quote for some who need it:
“First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.”
Mahatma Gandhi
April 30th, 2008 14:26
Hello
I have just started to send the letter to the Angolan journalist and politics and I realized that there wasn’t any suggestion of subject in porguese for the letter.
It may be useful to include these suggestion of subject in the top of the letter:
“Maláui age para liberar as armas para o Zimbábue”
OR
“Maláui em Angola para liberar as armas para o Zimbábue”
April 30th, 2008 14:29
I understand they are the Malawi Sustainable Development Network Programme.
website:http://www.sdnp.org.mw/
They also have this useful tool on their site, a government directory of all publicaly listed numbers.
I also think its a good idea to keep copies of all correspondence we have sent on this issue (if we are not doing so already), this will be useful in future if there is a need to seek redress on this issue
April 30th, 2008 17:43
see new posting on the thread about arms movements re: avient & contact w/UK’s foreign office about breaching EU sanctions:
http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/910
i am trying to get an update from some groups here w/more info on exact situation today. Will post later tonight or tomorrow a.m.
April 30th, 2008 22:28
I just wanted to comment on how creative you all are. And patient. I am in the US married to a Zim and daily trying to find creative ways to protest and flood people with emails and phone calls. I was so thoroughly exhausted by the time I read about Malawi getting involved that I kind of lost it. I, uh, sent a threatening email in a very typical brute force American way. Not my finest hour. I am daily emailing Bush and passing out fliers on Zim’s current crisis and history..with emails and phone numbers included. Soon my husband and I will meet with our state senator (unbelievable) and I am going to see what we can do to bring the Zim situation before congress. He is really a friend of people who are being oppressed. I don’t care if our own elections are around the corner. God’s timing is not man’s timing. Many of us are praying for Him to move NOW. Please feel free to give suggestions of more things I can do on this side of the “pond”.
Muk
April 30th, 2008 23:24
@ Muk
You are meeting with a state senator? Like Barack … cheers, that’s ‘lekker’, ’sweet as’, cool … makorokote, amaholpe! That’s really cool. Well done!
The issue’s are big, man. I think the key is disentangling everyone’s interests. But to keep us on the agenda - that’s so good! Thanks.
Actually, ‘Ektuly’, the issues are finding what we have in common. The young generation in the US, as I read it, are really in tune with the spirit of the age. They know that the imperative facing the US is re-negotiating the relationship between the US and the rest of the world. I take my hat off to them. From the Golden Age of post-WW II - to now.
Well we are (part of) the rest of the world. We want a balanced relationship with US and China - to keep it simple. And the way the US responds to this crisis signals its willingness to engage with the emerging realities. Gen Y rocks! I believe that Gen Y + USA + China can bring us to a place in world civilization that 50 years ago no one could have ever imagined.
The AYJ ‘p. … ‘ me off ‘big time’ but the truth is I have had plenty of Chinese colleagues. They are good people. Ni hao and xie xie. What will make this century great (or miserable) is to get our heads around our challenges and take our people somewhere.
Let’s leave behind a legacy our children and grandchildren can be proud of.
(I am older than you!)
Muk, well done! Good luck and keep us informed!
May 1st, 2008 06:47
Thanks, Scotchcart, for posting that, it got my day off to a positive start.
In other good news…I emailed a Washington based organisation, Refugees International, and yesterday - to my amazement - a guy called Patrick phoned me at home. They have many contact details for organisations, and also for Congress and State Department, which I had been struggling to get by my own efforts. Now for posting these on the database…
You are right, people do care and have not forgotten Zimbabwe. I want to take my kids back to Zimbabwe one day soon, to visit the country that four generations of their family on my side have loved and served. Not Mugabe’s Maoist nightmare but the true heart of Africa!
As for the Chinese, you are so right Scotchcart. Poly Technologies who shipped those arms has been exposed as an enterprise of China’s ruling clan, its head is a close relation of Deng Xao-Ping. It is not a truly competitive firm but a thinly disguised front for the ruling party. Such people (like the ones responsible for the dog food scandal and other abuses) bring disgrace on their nation and harm the good image of Chinese business, an interface which many have worked hard to build up in recent years. I’ve tried emailing some of these trade representatives and Chinese companies to make that point but it’s difficult to get contacts - if anyone has a better idea please share it!
May 1st, 2008 10:32
Does anyone know any pilots who fly into Harare or have friends working at the airport or any other airport large enough to land the big birds? May be a good idea to keep an eye on the big cargo carriers arriving in Zim and from whence they came to see if they came from Luanda either directly or indirectly. Hope no containers from the An Yue Jiang have reached Zim yet.
May 1st, 2008 14:03
You don’t need to land to drop cargo do you….they can be airdroped and they could be airdroped anywhere……so unless we got some SAMs we ain’t gonna stop a flying cargo of arms….still haven’t seen anything on the international news about this Did any of you guys pick up on the Barclays Bank story? If you have an account with them I suggest you change I recon a campaign against them would soon hit home…..specifically if you tell them why your moving banks……..infact Im so discussed with everything Im moving to the co-op bank because they promise to do ethical banking……this is not a plug by the way its just me saying what Im doing……..
May 1st, 2008 14:33
From the shipping documentation for the
An Yue Jiang, which shows clearly the shipment is from Poly Tech to the Minister of Defense, Zimbabwe, including the declared U.S. dollar amount of the arms as well as details of what and how many.
Full documentation forwarded to Sokwanele info email address.
Most recent info indicates the arms may likely have already flown. In the event they haven’t and you know any dockers at ports: Luanda, Lobito (where there is a military airbase), or Namibe (where there is also a remote airport) or Matadi (DRC), or Malaba, (Eq. Guinea)…
Container Number, Seal Number
CRXU2189?978 004301
HJGU8718191 004302
CRXU2616357 004303
CRXU2691229 004?04
HNCU451208 004305
HPGU3801507 004306
Plane spotters have said:
– Netherlands registered aircraft would have a registration starting with “PH-”
– Dutch air cargo carrier operating several legs inside the African continent is Martinair (MP/MPH), with MD-11 aircraft.
Info on Avient & MartinAir Cargo planes:
Avient fleet: (also operating “TopAir?” thru “Avient solutions”)
DC-10: Z-ALT, Z-AVT,N372BC, Z-ARL
IL76T: EW-263TH, Z-WTV
B727F
AN12
Flights named: SMJxxx or NFSxxx
Callsign: AVAVIA
MartinAir Cargo:
Safe handling of goods classed as “dangerous” is another service offered by Martinair Cargo.
* 4 Boeing 747-400BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter)
* 6 Boeing 767-300ER
* 4 McDonnell Douglas MD-11CF
* 3 McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
A320-233 EI-TAF (operated by TACA Airlines, El Salvador, for MartinAir)
B747-412(SCD) PH-MPP
B747-412(SCD) PH-MPQ
B747-412(BCF) PH-MPR
B747-412(BCF) PH-MPS
B767-31A(ER) PH-MCG
B767-31A(ER) PH-MCH
B767-31A(ER) PH-MCI
B767-33A(ER) PH-MCJ
B767-31A(ER) PH-MCL
B767-31A(ER) PH-MCM
F70 PH-KBX (operated for Govt of Netherlands, by MartinAir)
MD-11CF(AH) PH-MCP
MD-11CF(AH) PH-MCR
MD-11CF(AH) PH-MCS
MD-11CF(AH) PH-MCT
MD-11F(AH) PH-MCU
MD-11F(AH) PH-MCW
MD-11F(AH) PH-MCY
Flights named: MP0 (”zero”, not a big “oh”)
Callsign: MARTINAIR
May 1st, 2008 17:23
@ Scotchcart
Thank-you. Your encouragement meant a lot to me.
We are going to be meeting with Senator Jack Reed from Rhode Island. You can look him up online. He is friends with our pastor who was very involved in US black civil rights activism in the 60s. We are getting quite a bit of help from our pastor and local religious orgs. However, it is Jack we are aiming for. I will give everyone a heads-up when we are about to meet with him.
I think it was buried somewhere in Zimbabwesituation site, but congress took an informal vote for Mugabe to step down. Sen. John Kerry from Mass. is leading the way on this. I think it is significant. If I can get to these senators over here we may get some real help AKA peacekeeping/monitoring intervention.
I think at this point I should be posting somewhere else on this site since I have veered from the arms ship topic. Where should I do that?
May 1st, 2008 21:25
Hi
So far I have not heard from the contacts on the Malawian end. I hope to hear something soon though and will keep you all posted on developments.
JS - can we expect the cargo to be flown on Dutch registered aircraft? I do not understand the figures not being mathemetically inclined. Please let us know because perhaps I can alert some colleagues I know and perhaps they can take some action on this front.
May 1st, 2008 23:08
@js - have put some word out - sorry took time. any more info welcome. will let you know.
May 2nd, 2008 09:52
The EU inclusive of the Netherlands already has an arms embargo against Zimbabwe. If any EU carriers i.e Martinair is involved in transferring these arms then this is in breach of that embargo.
May 17th, 2008 15:16
We’ve just added a post to our blog titled Weapons delivered via the An Yue Jiang have allegedly arrived in Harare
I’m going to close comments on this post and ask you to take the discussion to the latest entry on the story.
Hope