By Enyichukwu Enemanna
A delegation of security officials, diplomats and journalists accompanying the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa to Ukraine and Russia was stranded on a separately chartered plane at Warsaw’s airport in Poland for more than 24 hours, Polish authorities said on Friday.
The authorities alleged that the crew had the presence of “dangerous materials” and “undeclared persons” on board.
The crew has been in Warsaw for the second day in a row due to alleged weapons transportation, while the South African leader already arrived in Ukraine ahead of planned visit of African leaders to initiate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
According to the Poland Border Guard agency, Ramaphosa’s security detail did not have permission for the weapons they were carrying, which resulted in a standoff. The president’s office described the incident as “very unfortunate and deeply regrettable” but said his security was not compromised.
“Members of the delegation had weapons which they did not have permission to bring, but they could leave the plane themselves,” the Polish agency tweeted Friday.
“Our officials remain engaged with their Polish counterparts in trying to resolve the situation,” said Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa’s spokesman.
In the team includes, Maj. Gen. Wally Rhoode, the head of Ramaphosa’s personal protection unit, who claimed the delegation faced hostile treatment from Polish authorities, including one of their female colleagues who was strip searched.
Journalists who were stuck on the plane were tweeting that they were later told to disembark and proceed to customs.
It was unclear whether they would be allowed to proceed to Kyiv, where Ramaphosa and other African heads of state are expected to hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
