Jump to navigation

Vol 43 No 21

Published 25th October 2002


Congo-Kinshasa

The British connection

British sanctions policy on Zimbabwe is in disarray after the United Nations Report on the Illegal Exploitation of Mineral Resources and Other Forms of Wealth in the Democratic Republic of Congo identified two British-based businessmen – John Arnold Bredenkamp and Captain Andrew Smith – as key suppliers of military equipment and services to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF). Britain was the first country to impose sanctions ­ including an embargo on supplies of military equipment and spare parts ­ on President Robert Mugabe's government just prior to Zimbabwe's parliamentary elections in June 2000. But the sanctions have had little effect on the Mugabe government's ability to source military equipment. Neither Bredenkamp nor Smith can face prosecution under British law provided they run their military procurement operations from associated companies outside Britain.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 900 words.

End of preview

Subscribers: Log in now to read the complete article.

Account Holders: Log in now and use your Account Credit to buy this article. No Credit? Top up your Account now.


If you are logged in, but still cannot access the full text of this article, email customer services or telephone us on +44(0)1638 743633.