Ukrainian Arms Supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa
SIPRI Background Paper February 2011 UKRAINIAN ARMS SUPPLIES SUMMARY w Ukraine has consistently TO SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA been among the 10 largest arms exporters in the world during the past two decades. An paul holtom* estimated 18 per cent of Ukrainian arms exports during 2005–2009 were for recipients in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically to Kenya (or I. Introduction Southern Sudan), Chad, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and SIPRI data indicates that Ukraine exported a significant volume of major the Democratic Republic of the conventional weapons to sub-Saharan Africa during 2005–2009, in par- Congo (DRC). Ukraine has ticular Ukrainian surplus aircraft, artillery and armoured vehicles. Ukrain- supplied surplus aircraft, tanks, ian enterprises and individuals have also provided maintenance, overhaul armoured vehicles, artillery, and modernization services for Soviet-designed equipment as well as SALW and ammunition to transportation and brokering services for the armed forces of sub-Saharan armed forces in sub-Saharan African countries. Africa. Additionally, Ukrainian Ukraine was identified as the source of arms and ammunition that were companies and individuals have diverted to armed forces and rebel groups subject to United Nations arms supplied other services related to arms transfers and embargoes, and also conflict zones, in sub-Saharan Africa during the 1990s.1 participated in combat missions However, Ukraine has made some progress in controlling exports and for African armed forces. improving transparency in recent years. Official Ukrainian reports on arms Concerns have been raised in exports indicate that Chad and Kenya have become important recipients of recent years regarding Ukrainian arms. In both cases, concerns have been raised regarding risks of Ukrainian arms exports to diversion, use in conflict or potentially destabilizing impacts in subregions.
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