The Chinese government has supplied more modern and advanced weapon systems to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), while Kenya has seized weapons bound to the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) routed through the port of Mombassa saying that it constitutes a clear violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) according to a recent press report.

According to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) there are three recognized army groups; the Joint Integrated Unit, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. The CPA recognizes each of these armies as legitimate independent entities.

United Press International (UPI) reported on February 15, 2008 in Terra Daily website in its analysis that the Chinese Type 96 ( also called Type 88C ) tanks were spotted in Sudan last year, indicating that China has exported one of its most modern tanks to Africa.

According to the International News Agency and Strategy website of February 20, the 50 ton Type 96 has a three man crew and modern sensors and electronics. The 90 series tanks are of Chinese design, and there appears to be as many as 2500 Type 90 series tanks in service, with as many as two thirds of them Type 96s. There are another 700 Type 79s and 80s, both of which were stepping stones to the 90 series. Most Chinese tanks, about 5,000, are Type 59s. Most of these have been upgraded from being a clone of the Russian T-54 to T-54 clones equipped with western  guns ( copy of the British L7 105mm gun, firing depleted uranium shells) and modern electronics. China has also a copy of the German 120mm gun, which it may try to install in some Type 59 upgrades.

Those Type 59s that don’t get upgraded are being scrapped. This apparently means that the Type 59 force will shrink by at least several hundred tanks a year until all are gone.

Sudan has, until recently, had a tank force consisting mostly of about 200 Chinese Type 59s, but some of these appear to have been upgraded by the Chinese. Also spotted in Sudan have been Chinese Type 92 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (similar to the U.S Stryker ).

China is very strict about keeping information on its tank force secret. The most modern tanks they have are the Type 98 and 99, which come close to matching early models of the U.S. M-1.

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Meanwhile, the Kenyan government on February 14, seized at the port of Mombassa 50 tanks for the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) saying it is a member of the CPA Assessment and Evaluation Commission and one of the sponsors of Sudan’s peace deal.

According to the Khartoum based Al-Ray Al-Aam, Nairobi has said that SPLA military capabilities build-up is contrary to the signed peace agreement.

The 2005 peace deal between the former rebel movement and the Khartoum government ended one of Africa’s longest civil wars, bringing many fighters out of the bush.

In accordance with the CPA, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army constitute the Sudan’s National Armed Forces during the interim period that are administered differently. Each is independent to develop its forces capacity.

The seized containers are the first batch of weapons contracted by the SPLA from former Soviet Union states, rocket launchers, artillery and aircraft had not yet arrived, the Kenyan sources disclosed.

The independent daily pointed out that there were a number of containers of spare parts for military vehicles and weapons in Mombassa port.

The United States has started military training for SPLA troops in order to transform the former rebel army into a professional army.

Washington denied that contracts with a specialized firm, DynCorp, included any arms deal with southern Sudan’s government, which donors say has funnelled the biggest chunk of its budget – some 40 percent – into defence.

Source: Staff Writers, Juba Post, Juba, South Sudan, 22-29^th February  2008 / Strategy Page

posted 25 March 2008