At the Fourth Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms(RevCon4) a Statement by West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA). Delivered by Mr. Igwe Martin, Regional 1st Vice President
The West African Action Network on Small Arms is an umbrella organization of 15 national networks working towards the building of a secured environment for the development of the sub- region in particular and of the world in general.
With resurgence of insecurity in Sahel, socio-political and economic instability, increased presence of violent extremism, terrorism and cross border crimes, WAANSA in collaboration with the member states promotes community mechanisms and approaches for the prevention and effective fight against the various security challenges of the region.
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Criminal actors are advancing their strategies and integrating technologies to achieve their aim in the West African Region taking advantage of the availability of huge quantities of illicit small arms, light weapons and their ammunition in circulation.
As has been reiterated in this conference this week, there can never be sustainable development in the midst of insecurity as we are witnessing in the Sahel.
We therefore call for swift implementation of the United Nations support plan for Sahel which is in line with implementation of priorities to achieve the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development.
To reduce the threat posed by the illicit circulation, abuse and misuse of small arms as well as the threat posed by extremist elements in the region, the youth, who constitute the majority of those who are affected and also those who perpetrate the act must be actively engaged in order to reduce the phenomenon of youth unemployment in the region.
States as well as regional organizations must improve funding support for Civil Society actors to enable them continue to undertake effective and meaningful public education and sensitization programs and awareness campaigns on the dangers of small arms proliferation and the effects of extremism and acts of terrorism in the region.
We wish to call on States in the region to take proactive measures to strengthen regulations and effectively control small arms and to prevent their diversion onto the illicit markets. West African States that have not yet taken measures to review their antiquated laws must take immediate steps to so as they cannot pretend to fight 21st century crimes with 15 century laws.
There is a new phenomenon of commercial explosives proliferation in the region which can be used to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by extremist elements.
Illegal mining in the region is giving rise to the availability of which is also used as a source finance by terrorists is of is as result of illegal mining the region
In advancing this credible and laudable course our appeal remains for us to extend proactive policy initiatives capable of resuscitating the very disturbing issue that threatens the peace, security, stability and socio economic development in parts of the West Africa Region as doing so will go along way to restore peace, safe human lives and revive the economies of the affected States in the region.
WAANSA reassures you of our readiness to complement your effort through advocacy as we have been doing both in the Sahel Region and other parts to consolidate the implementation of the programme of action.
“Let’s save lives… Let’s control weapons!
I thank you very much