The African group at the United Nations is calling for stronger global action to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, warning that the menace continues to fuel terrorism, organised crime and armed conflicts across the continent.
Nigeria's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimo Ibrahim, made the call while presenting Africa's position at the 9th Biennial Meeting of States reviewing the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The ambassador reiterated Africa's firm position that small arms and light weapons should never be transferred to unauthorised non-state actors. He called for stronger global cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in these weapons.
African member states have strengthened their legal frameworks across the full life cycle of small arms, from manufacture to disposal. They have also invested in national coordination bodies and national action plans.
The ambassador highlighted that record-keeping and tracing must remain the cornerstone of international engagement on the issue. Without effective tracking systems, weapons easily disappear into illicit markets.
A key priority for Africa is the prevention of diversion at its source. Weapons diverted from legal stockpiles through theft, leakage and unauthorised transfer represent the principal channel through which arms reach criminal groups.
The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains one of Africa's most pressing security challenges, contributing to the destabilisation of communities and undermining development efforts across the continent.