The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Small Arms Division, alongside the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), is hosting a meeting in Senegal for a Weapons and Ammunitions Management baseline assessment from April 8 to April 11, 2025. The primary focus of this evaluation is to enhance the national management of arms and munitions.
The assessment's goals include fortifying the ability to counter the illegal spread of light weapons and their ammunition, setting up a national coordination mechanism for weapons and ammunition management, and reviewing national security strategies. It aims to evaluate the progress of regional instruments and strategies and help develop a national strategy for weapons and ammunition management.
Colonel Crespin Arsène Sambou, the Permanent Secretary of Senegal’s Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (COMNAT/ALPC), opened the event by praising ECOWAS and UNIDIR for initiating the evaluation in Senegal. He encouraged participants to exchange knowledge on effective arms management practices.
UNIDIR's Mohamed Lamine Coulibaly, a researcher in the conventional arms and ammunition program, said the assessment is crucial for strengthening Senegal’s arms and ammunition management capacity. He also highlighted the necessity of international cooperation to combat small arms and light weapons proliferation in West Africa.
Representing ECOWAS, Her Excellency Mrs. Zelma FASSINOU, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, emphasized the importance of supporting Member States in implementing effective arms and ammunition management policies. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, commended UNIDIR for its role in capacity-building and technical support for Member States.
The Minister for the Armed Forces, represented by Mrs. Mame Madior SOW, stressed the significance of this assessment for both national security and regional stability. She noted, "The Government of Senegal cannot fail to acknowledge the invaluable role played by the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the partners of COMNAT/ALPC in promoting peace and security, to the great satisfaction of the highest authorities and our populations. I wish you every success in your work."
The assessment will identify existing capacities and highlight areas for improvement, suggesting options for strengthening national arms and ammunition management processes. It will aid in the creation of a new national roadmap to bolster national frameworks for arms and ammunition management with international support.
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