Accra, 14 July 2022 (TDI): United Nations Institute of Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) met with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to discuss the Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) in Africa Insight.
UNIDIR appreciated the efforts of ECOWAS in holding the meeting. Moreover, the organization appreciated Ghana for organizing and hosting the meeting.
The meeting was about the discussion of the key findings of the 2022 Update Weapons and Ammunition Management in Africa Insight.
Special thanks @ecowas_cedeao for inviting UNIDIR for its side event to share key findings from our #WAMInsight! Thanks also to Ghana for hosting such an important meeting! We look forward to further cooperation! pic.twitter.com/zY6Q3bwNdu
— UN Institute for Disarmament Research (@UNIDIR) July 13, 2022
Africa as a continent has suffered from unauthorized and mass dissemination of weaponry. The people of Africa have been a victim of armed conflict and violence. They have suffered immensely due to widespread violence.
Moreover, it has also adversely impacted the economy and political condition of African states. The social development of the states has been hindered due to the prevalence of unauthorized arms.
In this context, UNIDIR has been very keen on the issue and has updated the design of managing arms in Africa.
Weapons and Ammunition Management in Africa Insight: 2022 Update
The first annual update of the WAM by the UNIDIR was to identify ten key functional areas to take strict measures to control arms distribution.
The plan was to include a national coordination mechanism and a legal framework to observe record-keeping, marking, dealing with illicit arms and ammunition, and disposal of arms.
The primary focus was to keep a record of arms dealing. Therefore, stern control over arms distribution will be important to deal with illicit arms distribution.
Nine African States are keen to work with UNIDIR to strengthen the WAM policy. The practical application of WAM and UNIDIR’s methodology is imperative.
Henceforth, the report will provide a significant platform to control and manage the distribution of arms in Africa.
