African officials gather in Nairobi to combat illegal arms trade

Officials at a forum in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasized the importance of stopping the flow of small and light weapons in Sub-Saharan African countries, citing the threat they pose to peace, stability, and long-term growth.

Raymond Omollo, a principal secretary in Kenya, highlighted the dangers of the proliferation and misuse of these weapons, stating that they are a significant threat to Africa’s peace, cohesion, and stability.

The two-day regional preparatory meeting brought together delegates from 26 African countries to discuss the movement of small and light weapons across borders, which have been linked to terrorism, armed insurgencies, and wildlife crimes.

The forum, focusing on the United Nations program of action to prevent, combat, and eradicate the trade in small arms and light weapons, aims to share best practices and strategies to eliminate illicit weapons in Africa.

Participants at the meeting will review progress in implementing the UN Program of Action and establish priorities ahead of the Fourth Review meeting in New York in June.

Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing global, regional, and national treaties to address the issue of illicit weapons, with a focus on border controls, regional cooperation, surveillance, and capacity building for law enforcement.

Bankole Adeoye, the African Union commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, stated that stopping the cross-border movement of small and light weapons in Africa is in line with the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative, which aims to end wars and armed conflicts by 2030.

African leaders have also developed a common position to combat the trafficking of illicit weapons, emphasizing the need for cooperation and collective action to address this critical issue.

The Nairobi conference serves as a platform for collaboration between African countries, the United Nations, and regional blocs to strengthen efforts in eliminating the trade in small arms and light weapons.