UN Dumps Transporters With Military Cargo In Mombasa

A United Nations military cargo destined for Juba in South Sudan is stuck in Mombasa after transporters contracted to ferry it protested delayed payment of transportation fees.

The over 40 military wares which include military trucks, military tanks, ambulances and water boozers are stuck in Bonje area, in Miritini along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, after the drivers in protest, packed on the roadside until they get paid.

According to Nur Hassan, one of the cargo transporters, the importer has failed to pay them as agreed since the cargo was released from the port of Mombasa on January 2. He said the cargo loaded in 50 trucks was loaded at the port on December 16, 2023, and left the port on January 2, 2024, but confusion over the contract ensued after it emerged that the destination was changed.

“We decided to park this sensitive cargo here because the importer claims he has no money, we have stayed here for over 33 days now, with no pay. We will not transport until we get paid,” said Hassan.

He said controversy arose when it emerged that the cargo would be delivered in a conflict-prone Abiyey area in Sudan a 1,400 km distance, instead of Juba in South Sudan, which the initial contract had stated.

Dumpel Mwalili, a long-distance driver whose truck is packed at Bonje area said they have been subjected to the unbearable pain of staying on the roadside without money.