Gambia Unmutes Over Controversial Arms Shipment

Under-pressure the Gambia government finally breaks silence as it refutes allegations of its involvement in the controversial arms shipment from UN-sanctioned Iran, which was intercepted in Nigeria on October 25.

"Those arms intercepted were not bound for The Gambia," said Secretary General Njogu Bah on Wednesday as he declares The Gambia’s position on ‘major issues’ on behalf of the Gambia government.

The reaction came in the wake of mounting allegations linking The Gambia to the arms shipment that sent shocking waves across the globe, resulting in the severing of bilateral relations between many countries, The Gambia seemingly included.

The Islamic republic of Tehran is facing United Nations sanctions over its nuclear programme. The ban forbids UN member countries from dealing in arms with Iran.

The Gambia, until Wednesday remained mute over the issue even though a senior Iranian official said the 13 shipping containers disguised as "building materials" but carrying assorted calibres of mortars and rocket launchers, as well as shells for a 23 mm anti-aircraft gun, were heading for The Gambia.

Without giving reasons for the sudden move, The Gambia cut smooth ties with Iran by ordering all Iranian representatives including its Ambassador to leave the country within 48 hours.

And the neighboring republic (Senegal) that has been suspicious of The Gambia’s support to the independence rebels in its Southern region of Casamance, which is bordering the Gambia, is relentlessly pursuing the matter.

Iran has since dismissed its foreign minister as he was visiting Dakar to give explanation on the weapons issue following which Senegal also recalled its ambassador to Tehran.

Senegalese media said Nigerian President Good luck Jonathan is visiting Dakar on 22 December, over the issue.

Meanwhile the controversial arms shipment is now a United Nations matter. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has set-up a panel of experts to dig into the matter.

The experts are drawn from Great Britain, Japan, United States, Russia, Germany, Nigeria, China and France, who is to serve as the coordinator of the panel of experts.

"The panel is a strong indication that the Iranian controversial shipment to Nigeria is no longer merely an issue between Nigeria and Iran. It is now a Security Council issue," A UN official was quoted as saying.