Small arms and light weapons have become silent engines of destruction in Africa, fueling conflicts, displacing millions, and exacerbating poverty, with over 100 million of them proliferated across Africa
Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab raised the Alarm, while speaking at the Youth Model African Summit in Abuja Nigeria, on Thursday November 28, 2024.
Delivering a paper on the topic: “Curtailing the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons by African Union Member States” he acknowledged the problems caused by proliferation of such arms and weapons.
“These weapons, often unregistered and trafficked illicitly, find their way into the hands of armed groups, criminals, and extremists, perpetuating cycles of violence that rob our people of their future.
“The statistics are alarming: according to recent reports by the Small Arms Survey, over 100 million small arms are in circulation in Africa, with approximately 80% of them in civilian hands.
“These weapons contribute to over 70% of violent conflicts on the continent, perpetuating cycles of instability and insecurity. Behind every figure is a story of shattered families, displaced communities, and stunted development (Small Arms Survey, Global Firearms Holdings, 2023),” he said.
According to him, although Africa has not been silent in the face of this challenge, more commitment is needed in addressing it.
“The African Union’s Silencing the Guns Agenda has set a bold target to end gun violence by 2030. Regional frameworks such as the Nairobi Protocol, the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the Kinshasa Convention represent our collective commitment to addressing this menace.
“At the national level, many countries have made significant strides: Enacting laws to regulate arms trade and possession. Strengthening border controls to disrupt arms trafficking. Initiating community disarmament programmes to encourage voluntary surrender of illicit weapons,” he noted.
The GPFN Country Director explained that these efforts are commendable, but they must be amplified and sustained if they are to achieve the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
He said that key challenges still exist despite progress made.
“Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Many member states struggle with inadequate resources and capacity to implement existing arms control policies effectively.
“Our borders remain vulnerable to illicit trafficking networks, particularly in countries affected by conflict.
“The absence of strong regional cooperation undermines efforts to track and combat the flow of illegal arms,” he said.
Reverend Hayab blamed poverty, inequality and political instability, inability to create conditions conducive to the proliferation of arms as as some key factors militating against ending the manage.
He therefore, called on government’s to expedite action.
“Your Excellencies, if we are serious about curtailing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, we must move from rhetoric to action.
“I therefore propose the following strategies:-
Strengthen Legislation and Enforcement: AU member states must adopt and enforce robust arms control laws.
“This includes harmonizing national laws with international instruments like the Arms Trade Treaty and ensuring proper marking and tracing of firearms.
“Enhance Border Security: We must invest in modern border management technologies, increase patrols, and foster cross-border cooperation among security agencies. Initiatives like the African Border Programme should be expanded to address weak points in our border systems.
“Community Disarmament Programs: Governments should scale up community-centered disarmament programs that offer incentives for the voluntary surrender of weapons. Disarmament must be accompanied by economic empowerment initiatives to address the root causes of insecurity.
“Regional Collaboration: Establish regional arms control task forces to share intelligence, coordinate operations, and disrupt trafficking networks. Platforms such as the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) must be supported to enhance inter-state collaboration.
Invest in Youth and Peacebuilding: As part of the African Continental Framework on Youth, Peace, and Security, we must empower young people with opportunities for education, employment, and leadership. Engaging youth as peacebuilders is key to breaking the cycles of violence.
“Data and Research: Develop a centralized AU database on arms flows and trafficking patterns. Reliable data will help policymakers design targeted interventions.”
According to him, the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), guided by the vision of the One Family Under God campaign, has actively engaged with conflict-affected communities across the country, working to end violence and gun confrontations while fostering lasting peace for sustainable development in Africa.
“Numerous civil society organizations are also making dedicated efforts to resolve grievances and address conflicts, contributing to a more peaceful world. GPFN stands ready to collaborate with governments in advocating for disarmament, promoting dialogue, and implementing peacebuilding initiatives. We remain committed to partnering with stakeholders to amplify community voices and build resilient and harmonious societies,” he assured.
Reverend Hayab envisioned a vision for the future, where peace would reign all over Africa.
” Imagine an Africa where schools are not shut down by gunfire, where markets thrive without fear of violence, and where communities are united by hope rather than divided by conflict. This vision is possible if we act decisively to end the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” he predicted.
He challenged African governments to rise to the occasion and reaffirm their commitment to silencing the guns.
“Together, we can create a continent where peace reigns, development thrives, and every African lives with dignity,” he stressed.
Presented by Rev. John Joseph Hayab, Country Director, Global Peace Foundation Nigeria on November 28, 2024 at the Youth Model African Summit, Abuja Nigeria.
He thanked the Center for Peace Advocacy and Sustainable Development (CEPASD) for inviting Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and other Civil Society Organizations to be part of the collaboration which makes the historic and impactful summit a reality.