When the news is known, the United States takes the issue very seriously. Everything must be done to prevent the tanks back to the Islamist insurgency in Somalia, some armed groups claim al-Qaida.
After lengthy negotiations and the payment of a ransom of $ 3.2 million (2.4 million), the Faina is released with its cargo intact. It then resumes its path towards its destination. The saga of the T-72 Faina is far from over.
The tanks are officially intended for the Kenyan military, the documents governing the export testified. But, as noted in a telegram received by American and revealed by Wikileaks The World, they are actually sent to Southern Sudan and its Liberation Army (SPLA), the former southern rebels.
"THE ANGER OF Salva Kiir"
The United States objects to discreetly transfer. Kenyan officials, including Prime Minister Raila Odinga, trying to convince them to close their eyes. The authorities of the semi-autonomous south Sudan are approaching the date of the referendum on self-determination that may enable the South to gain independence, at the risk of renewed war, interrupted in 2004 with the North. The U.S. ambassador tried to persuade the Kenyan Prime Minister, who proposes to transfer the tanks via neighboring Uganda, to abandon this project.
A meeting is convened between an American soldier and senior Kenyan. A senior intelligence Kenyan military insists on "pressures" of the government of South Sudan for the tanks, and specifies that "President [Mwai] Kibaki is personally very angry about this problem."
He also added that Kenyan officials are "troubled" by the U.S. position, adding that in previous cases of arms shipments to southern Sudan, there has been no obstruction, to the extent such transfer, according them, part of the implementation of the peace agreement.
Then the military intelligence official insists cancel delivery will "extremely costly" and more, "Salva Kiir will get angry."
December 16, the tanks are still on flatcars, provided the cars for transporting tanks, at a military camp near Nairobi. The case is treated in the highest state since President Kibaki himself is trying to unlock the file and send the tanks to south Sudan. The military intelligence chief asked his American contacts to help raise arguments for "trying to convince the president."
The nature of links between Kenya and South Sudan is examined. "Over the past two years, officials from the Kenyan Defense Minister shared with us the full details of their engagement with the SPLA, the same way that we shared with them the details of training program for SPLA, including fighting program for the soldiers. "
Kenyan officials have the impression that the United States, by blocking the departure of tanks, have "changed sides" and are now "on the side of Khartoum." U.S. diplomats are trying to explain that contrary to previous orders, consistent with the peace agreement, it is beyond the scope and "deserved punishment".
Why is there so Kenya to ship the tanks? First, says a telegram, Nairobi is responsible for close to the SPLA. But also, "it is always possible that there is down there a financial benefit to a senior Kenyan (or two or more) for facilitating the transfer."
T - 72 finally arrives south Sudan, but it is already the second delivery. These transfers will they continue?
A SERIES OF SATELLITE IMAGES AS EVIDENCE
U.S. diplomats are trying to prevent him hitting at source in Ukraine. They talk with Ukrainian officials in Kiev, beginning by pointing out that according to their information, the T-72 tanks "had been bought by the Kenyan Ministry of Defence on behalf of South Sudan."
A charge of military exports Ukraine insists the cargo is "destined to Kenya." "Ukraine has not shipped military equipment to South Sudan." U.S. diplomat in charge then submits a copy of the Ukrainian proving that the tanks were destined for southern Sudan. The caller does not blink and "expresses his doubts about the authenticity of the text. He asked "if the United States have stronger evidence of their allegations."
The U.S. diplomat, serving his "regret that happened" then produces a series of satellite images showing the "T-72 unloaded in Kenya, transferred by train within the country and finally arriving in southern Sudan." Note by the American diplomat, clearly enjoying the effect: "This produces a strong shock on the Ukrainian side."
Pushing its advantage, the diplomat launches "warning" noting that "these lies are not what the United States waiting for a strategic partner," but that "Ukraine had nothing to gain and by lying, and everything to lose. " Answer: "Ukraine will consider this situation in light of a relationship between partners, so that the U.S. will know how Ukraine is a reliable partner."
For IEmanning, Lucas
