New Zealand phosphate importer Ballance faces questions after ship impounded.
Western Sahara Campaign-NZ notes that the people of Western Sahara would like some questions answered in the aftermath
of a cargo of phosphate being impounded in South Africa. The vessel NM Blossom was stopped by court order in the South
African port of Port Elizabeth. The cargo, plundered from Western Sahara, was destined for the New Zealand company
Ballance Agri-Nutrients. Much of the news and comment since has focussed on the impact on the importer Ballance and on
New Zealand. The impact on the people of Western Sahara, as is very much usual, is being overlooked.
Majhoub Mleiha, from Western Sahara, left questions on a social media platform for the CEO of Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Mark Wynne. With Majhoub's permission we repeat them here.
Dear Mark Wynne,
Dear Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ team,
Reading this post from your company gave me the impression that you are trying to explain your position in somehow. To
understand it clearly, would you & your team be able to help me out understanding your point of view by clarifying the following:
1- The imported phosphate rocks are coming from the occupied territories of #WesternSahara. Right ?
2- your phosphate import deals are negotiated and signed with Morocco. Do you recognise Moroccan sovereignty on WS
against the #UN and your country's position ?
3- from your public statements, you support the #UN efforts to reach peaceful solution to the conflict. How are you
contributing ?
4- during your visit to occupied territories of Western Sahara, have you been able to meet Saharawis ? Or you just
followed whoever brought you there in meeting people presented to you without making efforts to meet people on the
ground ? (as Saharawis, we were never informed about your visit actually)
5- you place high level of scrutiny and due diligence around your supply chain. Can we then conclude that your
involvement in the plunder of Western Sahara’s Phosphate wasn’t a mistake due to lack of information ? was it a
conscious involvement ?
6- did you know that the half of the Saharawi people lives in refugee camps depending on humanitarian aid, And you are
deeply involved in stealing our future ?
7- the international law, European law and even the African union positions are clear in giving no legal basis for the
plunder in Western Sahara. Would you and your company still insist to go against the legality to secure business
interest ?
8- can you estimate the quantities of phosphate illegally imported from Western Sahara during the past 40 years ? (I am
sure the Saharawi government have its own estimation from monitoring your activities)
9- are you considering compensation claims from the Saharawi government for years of illegal imports?
looking forward to receiving your feedback,
thanking you in advance,
These questions could also, and quite reasonably, be put to the Chief Executive, Greg Campbell, of New Zealand business
Ravensdown. Ravensdown also import from Western Sahara. Both Ballance and Ravensdown feature in the recent Western
Sahara Resource Watch report on the trade. Report: http://www.wsrw.org/files/dated/2017-04-24/p_for_plunder_2016_web.pdf