The European Union has delivered 105 armoured vehicles to Ghana, which were originally seized from a ship off the coast of Libya in October 2022, by the EU’s Operation IRINI.
During his visit on Saturday, Josep Borrell, the EU’s chief diplomat, officially presented the vehicles to Ghana’s armed forces, according to the Financial Times. Operation IRINI is responsible for inspecting vessels suspected of violating the UN arms embargo on Libya.
“Further equipment will also be delivered in the future: aerial surveillance, electronic warfare systems and river crafts,” Borrell added. “We are confident that this support will benefit not only Ghana, but the entire subregion [of the Gulf of Guinea] as well.
Last week, members of the European Parliament called for the transfer of weapons and military equipment confiscated in Libya, to Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide Ukraine with these assets, which have been in European possession.
Dutch liberal lawmaker, Bart Groothuis has taken the lead in this endeavour, urging fellow MP’s to endorse a letter on this matter by 26 October.
The letter appealed for the transfer of 146 vehicles seized in the past year, as part of two operations conducted by IRINI.
Furthermore, Groothuis noted that the United States plans to deliver confiscated Iranian munitions to Ukraine, setting a precedent that Europe should consider following. He emphasised that such a decision hinges on political will.
Currently, Libya is actively advocating at the United Nations for the return of this military equipment. However, this proposal is considered unfavourable, and not in the best interest of all parties involved.