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Blackwater to provide training to security forces in southern Sudan
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SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
WASHINGTON — A leading U.S. security firm is preparing to
train security forces in Sudan.
Sudan has selected Blackwater USA to help train security forces in the
southern part of the African country. The company, based in Moyock, N.C.,
was chosen by the autonomous government in Sudan, regarded as pro-American.
Officials said Blackwater, a leading contractor in Iraq, has drafted and
submitted a plan for the training of southern Sudanese security forces. They
said the plan addresses security requirements along the southern border as
well as the protection of oil facilities.
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, head of mission in Washington for southern Sudan's
regional government, said Blackwater would begin the training project over
the next few weeks. In an interview to the Norfolk-based Virginian-Pilot
daily on Jan. 19, Gatkuoth did not provide details, Middle East Newsline reported.
The Blackwater project would require a license from the State
Department. A department spokesman said Blackwater has submitted a training
proposal for Sudan.
In October 2006, President George Bush signed an executive order that
lifted sanctions from southern Sudan. Under the order, Blackwater could
train security forces in the south.
Copyright © 2007 East West
Services, Inc.
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