Security experts gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday to address the growing challenge of small arms and light weapons proliferation across Africa. The three-day forum brought together representatives from the 15 member states of the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) and officials from the United Nations.
The participating RECSA member states include Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Jean Pierre Betindji, Executive Secretary of RECSA, emphasized the transnational nature of the issue, calling for unified action among security agencies. “The menace can be controlled through improved information sharing among countries as well as enhanced capacities to monitor and detect the crime,” he said.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, outlined steps to curb the threat, such as strengthening stockpile management to prevent weapons diversion to criminal elements. He also highlighted the importance of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of combatants to enhance regional peace and security.
Susanne Dam, acting director of the United Nations Development Program Regional Hub for Arab States, urged alignment with international treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, to tackle the illicit arms trade effectively.
The forum aims to produce actionable recommendations to combat the spread of small arms, ensuring greater stability and security across the region.
