The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, (FOSDA) in collaboration with the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) and the West African Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), on Thursday 13th June organised a Regional Webinar to discuss the implementation of the United Nation's Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons. (UNPOA)
The Webinar was organised as part of preparatory activities for the fourth UN Review Conference of UNPOA at the UN Head Quarters from 18 to 28th June 2024
The webinar engaged and shared the perspectives of five distinguished Panelists including Mr. Aka Victorien N'taye, President of WAANSA Regional, Mr. Gyebi Asante of the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms, Mr. Kouame Patrice, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Commisson on Small Arms of Cote d'Ivoire and Ms Afi Yakubu, Former Executive Director of FOSDA and an independent security expert.
The Webinar established that a significant work has been done to advance the Programme of Action in West Africa such as a the coming into force of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. However, arms control is faced with enormous challenges in the sub-region such as porus boarders, lack of public education and sensitization on small arms, funding and lack of political commitment to arms control among others
The meeting concluded calling for among others :
- More support for and engagement of Civil Society Organisations in recognition of their contribution to arms control and promoting Peace and Security. Factor CSOs in funding mechanisms.
- Promote information sharing among states
- Development of National Action Plans on the UNPOA. These plans should be linked to National Security plans
- Engage women and youth in arms control
- Deeper reflection and more creative ways for tackling new challenges of arms control such as drones and the 3D arms printers.
- West African Governments must support National Commissions on Small Arms More to enable them operate to their optimal capacity.
