Namibian authorities have denied docking permission to a vessel carrying military-grade explosives destined for Israel, citing concerns over the nature of the cargo.
The MV Kathrin, a ship en route from Haiphong, Vietnam, to Koper, Slovenia, was scheduled to dock at the Namibian Port of Walvis Bay on August 25. However, after inspecting the vessel’s cargo manifest, authorities discovered it was transporting 60 containers of Tri-NitroToluene (TNT) and eight containers of hexogen explosives.
The Namibian Police’s Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, immediately revoked the docking permit, citing a Cabinet decision prohibiting such vessels from entering the country’s waters. The decision came in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Namibia’s desire to maintain a neutral stance.
Local activists and organizations praised Namibia’s stance, calling it a moral imperative in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Herbert Jauch, chairperson of the Economic Social Justice and Trust, criticized the initial lack of clarity from port authorities and urged other nations to follow Namibia’s example.
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by countries transporting military equipment, particularly in regions experiencing conflict. As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Namibia’s decision to reject the MV Kathrin serves as a reminder of the complex ethical considerations involved in international trade.