What Crew Members Say About Bahri-Yanbu

In a significant stand against the ongoing conflict in Yemen, Italian dock workers took action by refusing to load electricity generators onto the cargo ship 'Bahri Yanbu'. This refusal marks yet another demonstration against the devastating war in Yemen. The 'Bahri Yanbu', which had previously loaded arms in Antwerp, faced opposition when attempting to collect additional weapons in Le Havre due to mounting pressure from human rights organizations. Activists argue that the shipment of these weapons contravenes a United Nations treaty, as they could potentially be employed against civilians within Yemen. Protesters congregated in Genoa, brandishing banners proclaiming, "No to war," as they joined the unions' efforts to prevent the vessel from docking in Italy. Despite those efforts, the 'Bahri Yanbu' managed to dock; however, dock workers made a moral decision to block the loading of the generators, asserting they would not be complicit in the conflict. As a result, the generators remained confined on the quay, delaying further operations. The vessel was scheduled to depart Genoa for Jeddah on February 17, but as of February 18, it continued to be anchored in the port.

On February 6, 2020, a passionate group of activists gathered in Cherbourg, France, to voice their opposition to the 'Bahri Yanbu', a vessel accused of transporting weapons linked to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The activists condemned Saudi Arabia's military actions, labeling them as a "merciless war" that results in "unspeakable atrocities against innocent civilians." Prominent human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Oxfam, joined forces to highlight the issues surrounding arms sales to Riyadh. The 'Bahri Yanbu' docked in Cherbourg in the afternoon, inciting a protest where dozens of demonstrators showcased colorful posters emblazoned with messages like "Stop illegal arms sales" and "War crimes in Yemen - 230,000 lives." The underlying concern raised by these organizations was about the French government's obligation to ensure that any arms loaded onto the ship would not be misused against Yemeni civilians. According to reports, the vessel operates under a contract with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense. Despite the gravity of the allegations, the French government refrained from commenting on the matter. Notably, Saudi Arabia stands as a significant purchaser of French military equipment, further complicating the dialogue around arms export practices. In a similar instance in May 2019, various aid organizations succeeded in halting another arms delivery intended for Riyadh, demonstrating the growing tension surrounding these military contracts.

On September 27, 2019, workers in Genoa took to the streets to voice their opposition against the delivery of arms to Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the arrival of the 'Bahri Yanbu' at the port. According to dock workers, the vessel was allegedly loaded with weapons and armored vehicles, sparking significant unrest among the local community. Access to the ship was heavily restricted, with rigorous measures in place that prohibited any form of photography or video recording. The 'Bahri Yanbu,' a notable arms carrier, had earlier made stops at several US ports, including Houston, Dundalk, and Wilmington, before heading to Genoa. Riccardo Degl'Innocenti, a member of the workers' organization C.A.L.P. Port, shed light on the contents of the ship, stating, "The ship is loaded with armored vehicles and weapons typically transported from North America and Canada. However, due to constant surveillance and a ban on documentation, we have no way to substantiate these claims." Degl'Innocenti further emphasized the purpose of the protest by highlighting, "The hold is filled with armored goods and arms intended for the Yemen conflict, not limited to that alone. We demand an end to this arms trade; we do not want such shipments to pass through the port of Genoa." The protest was organized by a collective of autonomous dockers, demonstrating the growing concern over the implications of arms transport in the region.