Angola
23,444 Guns Seized from Civilians, Stored by Government, Angola Tells UN
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
17 July 2008
NEW YORK -- The Angolan government reiterated its commitment to fighting the proliferation of guns in society, thus having adopted practical and pragmatic measures aimed for the materialisation of the United Nations Action plan on this matter. Speaking at the 3rd Biennial Conference on Small Arms and Light Weapons, happening on 14-18 July at UN headquarters, New York, the Angolan delegation advocated the need to improve small arms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana
Global Study Says Civilians Lost 650,000 Guns - About One in 10 Owned
International Herald Tribune / AP
14 July 2008
UNITED NATIONS -- One of every 1,000 civilian-owned guns in the world is lost or stolen and can wind up in the hands of militants in nations like Iraq and Afghanistan, a Swiss institute says in a new survey Monday. Most of the lost guns flow to nations that "rarely engage in some of the most basic verification procedures," said Jurg Streuli, a Swiss diplomat and representative to the U.N. Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, Switzerland.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Tanzania
Success of Gun Amnesty 'Good News Indeed' for Arusha, Tanzania
Citizen (Dar es Salaam), Editorial
14 July 2008
Police in Arusha Region say they have recovered over 20 illegally owned firearms in the past fortnight, and this is good news indeed for a region that is grappling with high crime rates. It is worth noting that most of the guns were handed in by village leaders after they were surrendered by people who had been possessing them illegally. The recovery of the firearms should go a long way in reducing armed robberies and other forms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Mali, West Africa, Central Africa
Gun Running, Weapon Trafficking Worsen in West Africa, Central Africa
IRIN (UN News)
10 July 2008
BAMAKO/TIMBUKTU -- Mali has become an established transit route for weapons heading from West Africa's increasingly peaceful coastal states to active conflicts in West and Central Africa, an ECOWAS expert has warned. "There are two factors on the supply side - stabilisation in Cote d'Ivoire and in Guinea Conakry," said Jonathan Sandy, small arms programme manager with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Bamako,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Too Many Guns Threaten Displaced Civilians, Say Ugandan Officials
IRIN (UN News)
10 July 2008
GULU, Uganda -- Northern Uganda has enjoyed relative peace following years of clashes between government troops and rebels, but the prevalence of illegal weapons across the region poses a new challenge to displaced civilians returning to their villages, officials said. "The region has seen a great deal of violence and so many guns are still on the loose," Phenihensas Arinaitwe, the regional police commander, said. "Some rogue elements... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana, West Africa
Ghana's Locally Made Illegal Guns Fuel West Africa's Crime Epidemic
Independent (UK)
8 July 2008
ACCRA -- Joseph Kwaku interrupted his work hawking bootleg DVDs at a teeming road junction just long enough to ensure no police officer was within earshot. He said: "Yes, it's easy to get a gun here if you want one. They're not expensive -- 10 dollars. Not pretty but very deadly." The type of gun in question bears little resemblance to factory-made weaponry such as the ubiquitous AK-47 that has been used to prosecute ruinous conflicts... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, Somalia
No Response Yet to UN Report on Gun Trafficking in Kenya
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
8 July 2008
Almost three months after the UN Security Council released a report saying a shipment of arms from Somalia had entered Kenya, the Government is yet to make its findings known. When reached for comment Monday, police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said: "The report has not come to my attention". He requested for a copy to be faxed to him. "That is a very sensitive report that I am not aware of. Sometimes everyone is so engrossed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Government Announces Forcible Disarming of Civilians in Angola
Angola Press Agency
7 July 2008
LUANDA -- Angolan Government announced that coercive disarming of civilians in illegal possession of firearms started in the country on Friday, Angop learned in Luanda. The announcement that included an appeal for those still in possession of firearms to voluntarily hand them in and thus avoid punishment, came at the end of a meeting of the National Commission for Civilians Disarming headed by the prime minister, Fernando da Piedade... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana
Legalising Backyard Gun Makers Not the Way to Go in Ghana, Says Minister
MyJoyOnline (Ghana)
7 July 2008
Legalising small arms in the country puts the country on the threshold of creating a violent society. This also mean that the production of small arms in the country must be completely nibbed in the bud. The Minister of State at the Interior Ministry, Nana Obiri-Boahen made these remarks when he reacted to suggestions in the media advocating for the legalisation of the production of small arms in the country. Security... ( gunpolicy.org )
Senegal
Oxfam America Pulls Out of Global Gun Trade Campaign in West Africa
Afrique en ligne (France) / PANA
3 July 2008
DAKAR, Senegal -- Less than two weeks to the third edition of the United Nations Biennial on small arms 14-18 July in New York, Oxfam America has ended its collaboration with the West African movement against small arms in the fight against the circulation of the small arms and light weapons (SALWs) in West Africa. The announcement was made by the executive director of the movement, Georges Ndiaye, at a workshop on the June2007/June... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe
Cost of Zimbabwe Gun Licence Rises to $50 Billion, Renewal $25 Billion
Herald (Harare)
1 July 2008
Police have, with immediate effect, increased charges for obtaining firearms and clearance certificates. Police spokesperson Superintendent Andrew Phiri yesterday said the increases were with effect from today. The cost of issuing a firearms certificate has been raised from $50 million to $50 billion while an import permit now costs $250 billion, up from $250 million. Renewing a firearm certificate now costs $25... ( gunpolicy.org )
Gambia, West Africa, Europe
Legal Gun Trade is 'Source of All Weapons' as Europe Profits from Africa
The Point (Banjul), Editorial
1 July 2008
Many of our readers will be shocked by the announcement made by the Secretary of State for Interior, Honourable Ousman Sonko, that there are an estimated ten million (10,000,000) firearms in the West African sub-region. This is an extraordinary number and has the potential to wreak havoc and mayhem in our sub-region. It is very heartening however to see that the government is taking the issue so seriously. We must be very alert... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
Shooters Must 'Wait Much Longer' Before Namibia's Gun Registry is Fixed
New Era (Windhoek)
27 June 2008
WINDHOEK -- People who applied for firearm licenses countrywide will now have to wait much longer before their applications can be processed. The Namibian Police announced in a press statement that due to some technical problems, its Central Firearms Registry Sub-Division is unable to submit newly approved and computerized firearms licenses. Police have requested members of the public who applied for firearm licenses to... ( gunpolicy.org )
Germany, Switzerland, Italy, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa
Gun Laws in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, UK, Australia, South Africa
Associated Press
26 June 2008
GERMANY: Requires license to obtain and use firearms and stipulates a check on the "reliability and suitability" of holders at least once every three years. Under-25s must undergo psychological screening. Buyers must justify why they need a gun. Would-be buyers of recreational firearms must produce proof of regular membership in shooting club for at least one year. Legal age for owning recreational firearms is 21. That... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
Govt to Record, Store Illegal Guns Seized from Civilians in South Sudan
BBC News
20 June 2008
Southern Sudanese authorities have begun a campaign to collect large quantities of weapons held by civilians following decades of civil war. South Sudan's Minister of Internal Affairs, Paul Mayom, said only a few guns had been handed in voluntarily and new measures were required. Disarmament had to be backed by the army and take place simultaneously across communities, he said. Sudan's north-south civil war cost... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
More Killings Feared as Sudan Seizes Illegal Guns from Civilians
Afrol News (Norway)
20 June 2008
Southern Sudanese authorities have embarked on a massive campaign to disarm civilians in possession of weapons to end decades of civil war, which has killed hundreds of thousands in the country. The region's Internal Affairs Minister Paul Mayom said few guns had been handed in voluntarily, calling for a new army backed search for weapons, further promising that even communities nearby would also be disarmed to avoid bloodshed. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
South Sudan Begins Mass Campaign to Confiscate Civilian Guns
Reuters
20 June 2008
JUBA, Sudan -- South Sudanese authorities have begun to collect thousands of guns amassed by civilians during decades of war to try to end tribal conflicts which claim dozens of lives each year, officials said. Since a 2005 north-south peace deal ended Africa's longest civil war, efforts by the semi-autonomous southern government to disarm civilians have claimed an estimated 1,500 lives because they took weapons from some tribes... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia
Civil Society Groups Work for Regional Gun Control in Liberia, West Africa
News (Monrovia)
18 June 2008
MONROVIA -- As the proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons continue unabated in Liberia and the sub-region, the Center for Peace, Education and Democracy (COPE) has intensified its campaign strategy against the illegal use of the deadly instruments among local officials. A three-day workshop held under the theme: "Building New Front against Small Arms in Liberia," in Bensonville, Montserrado County, brought together... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria
Stray Bullet from Police Rifle Kills Boy, Shatters TV in Nigerian Sitting Room
Daily Trust (Abuja)
18 June 2008
MINNA -- A 14 year old boy, Abubakar Onifade was killed in Minna on Monday night by a stray bullet from a police officer while watching television in his father's sitting room. Our correspondent gathered that the stray bullet which went through the door of the sitting room hit the boy, an SS2 student of Hill Top Secondary School Minna on the chest and shattered the television screen. It was also gathered that the tragedy... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
'Gun Free Zone' Campaign Recruits Schools, Clinics, Bars in Namibia
Namibian (Windhoek)
16 June 2008
WINDHOEK -- Civil society's aim to get guns out of public places gained another ally on Friday when the Katutura-based Namibia Primary School declared itself a gun-free zone. The school joined a number of other educational institutions, clinics, businesses and shebeens who, since September last year, have become part of the Namibia NGO Forum (Nangof)'s initiative 'Towards a Gun-Free Namibia'. While the presentation of the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Mali, West Africa
Mali a Hub for Gun Running, Local Weapon Makers Thrive in West Africa
IRIN (UN News)
12 June 2008
BAMAKO/TIMBUKTU -- Mali has become an established transit route for weapons heading from West Africa's increasingly peaceful coastal states to active conflicts in West and Central Africa, an ECOWAS expert has warned. "There are two factors on the supply side -- stabilisation in Cote d'Ivoire and in Guinea Conakry," said Jonathan Sandy, small arms programme manager with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Bamako,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, Africa
African Nations Collaborate to Prioritise Crackdown on Gun Trafficking
Nation (Nairobi)
10 June 2008
African countries will develop a combined approach to deal with the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, an African Union (AU) official said on Monday. AU director for peace and security department Geofrey Mugumya said African heads of states were committed to combating the problem jointly to help in taming internal conflicts which have torn apart some countries. Addressing journalists on the AU commission... ( gunpolicy.org )
Malawi
Human Rights Campaign Urges Malawians to Give Up, Eradicate Guns
Daily Times (Malawi)
10 June 2008
A prominent human rights lobbyist has urged Malawians to help curb the use of small arms in order to enhance peace in the country. Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR), in a statement, urges Malawians to assume responsibility to tackle the proliferation of small arms by playing a proactive role and offer tips and information to police on anyone suspected to be illegally in possessions of firearms. "It is tragic... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Most Gunshot Victims Shot by Lawful Gun Owners, Says Ugandan Group
New Vision (Kampala)
7 June 2008
KAMPALA -- The Uganda Action Network on small arms and light weapons has urged the Government to control the rampant misuse of firearms that has left many wounded and maimed. "Majority of the victims with gunshot wounds are inflicted by official guns," said Rev. Canon Joyce Nima, the organisation co-ordinator. Nima, who led the press, the clergy and a team from her organisation, on Thursday visited some victims admitted... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, Zambia, Southern Africa
Gun Control Groups Urge Zambian PM to Cut Weapon Flow to Zimbabwe
Daily Mail (Zambia )
6 June 2008
The International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) has petitioned President Mwanawasa to immediately put in place a moratorium on the transfer of weapons to Zimbabwe because they can be used against the people. And Centre for Policy Dialogue executive director, Neo Simutanyi, has warned that violence in Zimbabwe could escalate to levels worse than what happened in Kenya if the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Southern African Nations Plan Moratorium on Gun Trade to Zimbabwe
South African Press Association
6 June 2008
Civil bodies yesterday urged the Southern African Development Community governments to impose a moratorium on the supply of arms to Zimbabwe. At a briefing in Johannesburg, Obby Chibuluma of the Coalition for Peace in Africa said: "We are asking for the moratorium on Zimbabwe to make sure security is guaranteed before and after the June 27 runoff elections." More than 110000 people globally had signed a petition on the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
Global Gun Control Group, African NGOs Urge Arms Freeze on Zimbabwe
Reuters
5 June 2008
JOHANNESBURG -- A coalition of African-based civil society organisations urged southern African countries on Thursday to freeze arms shipments to Zimbabwe to avoid plunging the country into deeper political violence. Led by the International Action Network on Small Arms, the organisations said politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe was escalating ahead of a June 27 presidential run-off and any transfer of arms and military equipment... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia, Southern Africa
Southern Africa: 110,000 Sign Petition to Ban Gun Transfers to Zimbabwe
Namibian (Windhoek)
5 June 2008
Civil society in Namibia will today hand over a global petition of 110 000 signatures, which demands an immediate Southern African Development Community (SADC) moratorium on weapons transfers to Zimbabwe. The petition will be presented by representatives of the Legal Assistance Centre, the National Society for Human Rights, Breaking the Wall of Silence, International Action Network on Small Arms (Iansa) and Gun Free Namibia at 13h30.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sierra Leone
Violence Prevention Groups in Sierra Leone Push Global Gun Trade Treaty
Concord Times (Freetown)
4 June 2008
FREETOWN -- National Chairman for Amnesty International Sierra Leone Tuesday disclosed that gun violence claims the lives of more than 350,000 people and injuring scores of others. Violet Kawa said the global trade that fuels the scourge of armed violence was yet to be internationally regularised. She said they would organise radio discussion programmes and quiz competitions in Bo and Kenema districts to observe the Global... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Citizens Voluntarily Hand Over 787 Guns Prior to 'Coercive Phase' in Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
3 June 2008
SAURIMO -- About 787 firearms were handed over voluntarily, by citizens illegally owning them, to the National Police in the north-east Lunda Sul province since the beginning of the disarming process last April. According to the spokesperson of the provincial command of the Police in Lunda Sul, told ANGOP this Tuesday that the weapons were handed over in the districts of Saurimo with 440, Muconda with 136, Cacolo with 107 and Dala... ( gunpolicy.org )
Sudan
Taking Civilians' Guns by Force Will Not Improve Security in South Sudan
Sudan Tribune (France), Opinion
2 June 2008
In response to decades of armed violence and cattle rustling, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) is planning a campaign to forcibly collect firearms from southern citizens. Government officials' motivations are understandable. Endemic pastoralist violence is reaching dangerous levels and there are widespread suspicions of outside support for the perpetrators as part of efforts to scupper the fragile north-south peace process. But coercive... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China, Southern Africa
Outrage Lingers Over Chinese Shipment of Guns, Ammunition to Zimbabwe
Arms Control Today (USA)
1 June 2008
In April, South African dockworkers refused to unload a Chinese cargo ship carrying more than 70 tons of small arms destined for Zimbabwe. The refusal set off international reactions that led to the recall of the shipment and calls for stronger international arms trade measures, such as a global arms trade treaty. The shipment, including three million rounds of ammunition for AK47s and 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades, was meant... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria
Youth Group Launches Global Week of Action Against Gun Abuse in Nigeria
Leadership (Abuja)
30 May 2008
A coalition group under the auspices of Youth for Peace (YFP), said every year thousand of people die while millions are injured from gunshots which if not redressed, would undermine people's livelihood and security. To this end, the group disclosed that first week of June will be the global week of action against gun abuse, stressing that all stakeholders should participate so as to remind the government of their responsibility... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya
Kenyan Prison Warden Arrested Selling Ammunition in Nairobi Supermarket
News24 (Cape Town)
29 May 2008
NAIROBI -- Kenyan police have arrested a prison warden who was caught selling ammunition in a Nairobi supermarket, says a spokesperson. The warden attached to the capital's Kamiti maximum-security prison was detained on Wednesday after being caught red-handed, said police spokesperson Eric Kiraithe. "Sixteen rounds of ammunition for a G3 rifle means utter devastation. The warden will be charged with illegal possession of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, East Africa
Concern Over Increase in Illegal Guns After Post-Poll Violence in Kenya
IRIN (UN News)
26 May 2008
NAIROBI -- Very little has been done to check the increase in illegal guns in parts of Kenya that were hardest hit by the post-election crisis, an official of a peace and development NGO said on 23 May. "The small arms problem is bigger at this point than at any other time in our country's history, especially owing to the post-election violence, which created new markets for illegal arms more than ever before," Mutuku Nguli, chief... ( gunpolicy.org )
Malawi
Malawian MPs Ignorant of Global Gun Trade Treaty - But All Intend to Sign It
Africa News (Netherlands), Blog
19 May 2008
Most Malawian Members of Parliament (MP) are unaware about the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), two years after 153 member states of the United Nations voted in its favour for sustainable world peace in 2006. UN member states agreed during that year, at the UN General Assembly, on the need to have a plausible world treaty regulating the sale of small arms and light weapons. It was hoped that this would help control the proliferation of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana, West Africa
West African States Adopt Standard Gun Registration Database Protocols
Ghana News Agency
19 May 2008
ECOWAS small arms experts at the weekend reviewed and adopted a new draft Standardised Form and Computerized Database for the management of the exemption procedures and the draft plan of action for the Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The small arms experts meeting at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, reviewed and adopted the draft standardized form and computerized database for the management of the exemption... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Gun Amnesty Collects 1,654 Illegal Firearms for Destruction in Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
15 May 2008
UIGE -- Some 1,654 fire-arms of various types were handed over voluntarily, by citizens owning them illegally, to the National Police in the northern Uige Province, from April up to the present date, said Thursday the province's deputy governor for organisation and technical services, Miguel Cutoca. Speaking to ANGOP, Miguel Cutoca, who is also coordinator of the provincial commission for disarmament, said that during this period... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria, West Africa
West African Civil Society Groups Praised for Role in Curbing Gun Violence
Afrique en Ligne / PANA
15 May 2008
LAGOS, Nigeria -- The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Wednesday praised civil society organisations for their role in the ongoing campaign to achieve the level of ratification required to make the regional Convention to check the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa operational. During his meeting in Nigeria's federal capital city Abuja with the President of the West African Action... ( gunpolicy.org )
Ghana, Gambia, West Africa
Gun Control Campaigners Aim to Curb War, Crime, Instability in West Africa
Chronicle (Ghana)
12 May 2008
The Mission Coordinator for the Ghana, Gambia and West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), Orji Dickson N., has said that bad governance and manipulation of democratic institutions, was a salient factor for the uncontrolled accumulation, and flow of small arms and light weapons (SALW), in West Africa Sub-region. He attributed the influx of these small and light weapons, to insecurity, political instability, wars and organized... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia
As Gun Crime Rises, Liberian Civilians Form Groups to Defend Themselves
IRIN (UN News)
7 May 2008
MONROVIA -- The current police force in the Liberian capital Monrovia is unable to combat an increase in violent crime, according to a recent independent report and many of the city's residents have created their own civil defence groups. "Armed robbery is on the increase in Monrovia and we are not convinced that our police force can handle this type of crime," said Eric Stewart, a community leader in the crime-prone suburb of Paynesville... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
Namibian Gun Law Allows Self Defence Shootings Only Under Real Threat
New Era (Windhoek), Opinion
7 May 2008
If you carry a weapon, especially a gun, you run the risk of over-reacting in some cases. You might misread a situation and become the aggressor. Another important point to remember is that if you threaten an intruder with a weapon, he can disarm you and use the weapon against you. The chances are that you will end up more seriously injured or even killed than if no weapon was involved. Also take note of the laws of the country.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Illegal Guns Slow Angola's National Reconciliation: Disarmament the Answer
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
6 May 2008
MALANJE -- Northern Malanje Province governor Cristovao da Cunha on Monday here considered that the illegal possession of fire-arms can create constrains to the national reconciliation process among Angolans. The official was speaking at the opening of the provincial seminar on disarmament of civilians, having added that the illegal possession of weapons represents an individual and collective insecurity for Angolans. He... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda, Kenya, East Africa
East African Nations Team Up to Curb Gun Smuggling, Trafficking
Monitor (Kampala)
5 May 2008
MBALE --Security chiefs from Uganda and Kenya have stepped up efforts to end persistent arms trafficking along the common border. Last week, Uganda's and Kenya's joint border commissioners met in Mbale to fine-tune plans to stop the vice. The Minister for Presidency, Dr Beatrice Wabudeya, also attended the meeting at Mbale Resort Hotel. According to the army, the strategy is aimed at reducing gun-flow across the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Somalia
Somali Lawmakers Accused of Criminal Activities, Ordered to Register Guns
Garowe Online (Garowe) / AllAfrica
5 May 2008
Legislators in Somalia have been asked to register their weapons with the transitional federal government following a police official's accusations that lawmakers are involved in criminal activities, local sources said. Sheikh Adan "Madobe" Mohamed, the parliament Speaker, told lawmakers in the southwestern city of Baidoa that the government wants to know the number of weapons and guards each lawmaker keeps around for personal security.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Army Seizes Another 31 Guns from Uganda's Karamojong Warriors
New Vision (Kampala)
30 April 2008
KAMPALA -- Two Karimojong warriors were killed in an operation in which the UPDF recovered 31 guns on Monday. The 3rd Division spokesperson, Capt. Henry Obbo, said the guns were found in Rupa sub-county in Moroto, Lokopo and Lolalachat sub-counties in Nakapiripirit district. Others were found in Nakapelimoru and Panyangara sub-counties in Kotido district, Obbo said. He added that 50 warriors were being detained at the 405... ( gunpolicy.org )
World, United States, France, Canada, Germany, Angola, Thailand, Australia, Colombia, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, United Kingdom, India, China
Guns Around the World: Civilian Firearms per 100 People in 16 Nations
Economist
30 April 2008
An estimated 875m small arms are in circulation worldwide: one for every seven people on the planet. Nearly three-quarters of these are owned by civilians. And about 80% of those guns in civilian hands are found in just 30 countries, according to the Small Arms Survey, a research group. Although America accounts for 40% of firearms in civilian ownership, people put them to more deadly use elsewhere. The gun murder rate in Colombia... ( gunpolicy.org )
Senegal
Senegal Ratifies United Nations Convention to Curb Illicit Gun Trade
Afrique en ligne / Panapress
29 April 2008
DAKAR, Senegal --- Senegal has ratified the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), their ammunitions and other related materials. According to a communiqué of the Movement Against Small Arms in West Africa (MAL AO) obtained by PANA, Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade, by passing the Act, had shown his country's commitment to fight the illegal circulation of small arms. Senegal thus becomes the fifth... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China
Arms Cargo to Zimbabwe Exposes Mugabe's Link to Chinese Gun Maker
Sunday Times (UK)
28 April 2008
The boycott of a Chinese ship laden with weapons for Zimbabwe has cast new light on the connections between the African country's president, Robert Mugabe, and a secretive Chinese arms-trading firm with a controversial track record from the Congo to Darfur. The ship steamed towards China last week after dock workers in Durban refused to unload it and a South African court blocked the transit of its cargo of mortar and small arms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya
Give Kenyans Guns: AK-47s Maintain Social, Economic, Political Equilibrium
Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
26 April 2008
NAIROBI -- For decades, Kerio Valley and the adjoining areas have been rocked by intermittent ethnic violence but they have never produced an internal refugee. Yet Eldoret, Kericho, Kuresoi, Molo, Nakuru and the surrounding areas produced hundreds of thousands of displaced people after less than six weeks of post-election violence. What is the difference between these two sets of volatile regions in the Rift Valley? The answer is... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China
Beijing Recalls Zimbabwe Arms Cargo: Speculation on Gun Airlift to Mugabe
Associated Press
25 April 2008
BEIJING -- A shipment of Chinese weapons headed for troubled Zimbabwe will be returned to China because there is no way to deliver it to the landlocked country in southern Africa, China said Thursday. Countries neighboring Zimbabwe refused to allow the Chinese freighter An Yue Jiang to dock at their ports. That followed heavy pressure from African unions, churches and human rights groups, bolstered by behind-the-scenes pressure... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya
Shootings, Gun Crime Bring Calls for Urgent Firearm Seizures in Kenya
Nation (Nairobi)
25 April 2008
NAIROBI -- Residents and leaders in the larger Laikipia district have appealed to the Government to mop up illegal firearms in the area following a fresh wave of killings by bandits. The call follows increased cases of murder, robbery and stock theft. Residents have been killed by bandits and cattle rustlers and hundreds of cattle, sheep and goats stolen. Laikipia West district commissioner, Fredrick Shisia estimates the number... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, Zambia, United Kingdom, Canada, China, World
Chinese Gun Shipment to Zimbabwe Shines Spotlight on Global Gun Trade
Toronto Star (Ontario)
24 April 2008
When the Chinese freighter An Yue Jiang pulled into the South African port of Durban last week loaded with weapons bound for crisis-ridden Zimbabwe, it seemed to be just one more day in the lucrative arms trade that has engulfed the continent with deadly results. Instead the ship ran into a storm of protest -- with dock workers joining union leaders, church officials and the High Court to block the shipment -- until the vessel left... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, China
Praise 3 African Nations for Barring 'Ship of Shame' Gun Cargo to Zimbabwe
Los Angeles Times, Editorial
24 April 2008
It's a rare moment when three African nations, in an effort to forestall violence, block a shipment of weapons to a neighboring country in political turmoil. It's perhaps even a historic development when those weapons were sold by a great power and were bound for a government that is not under United Nations sanctions and has every legal right to buy arms -- though no moral right to do so. So let us praise the courageous peoples of South... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola, China
Cargo of Chinese Guns, Ammunition Visits Namibia on Way to Zimbabwe
Namibian (Windhoek)
22 April 2008
A Chinese ship carrying six containers of ammunition for Zimbabwe has applied to take on fuel at Walvis Bay this morning. The An Yue Jiang is carrying three million rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 1 500 rocket-propelled grenades and more than 3 000 mortar rounds and mortar tubes. Attempts to get comment from Government yesterday were unsuccessful. Messages were left for Minister of Information, Joel Kaapanda, but he... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China, South Africa, United States, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia
China Says Ship Carrying Ammunition, Guns to Zimbabwe May Head Home
Associated Press
22 April 2008
HARARE, Zimbabwe -- A shipment of weapons to Zimbabwe may be returned to China, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, after the troubled southern African nation's neighbors prevented the cargo from being unloaded. The Chinese freighter arrived in South Africa last week, and human rights groups and others said they feared the mortar grenades and bullets onboard could be used by President Robert Mugabe's regime to clamp down... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Zambia
Chinese Ammunition 'Ship of Shame' Adrift in Southern African Controversy
IRIN (UN News)
22 April 2008
JOHANNESBURG -- There were conflicting reports about the whereabouts of a Chinese ship, laden with a cargo of small arms destined for Zimbabwe, after it was turned away from South Africa's port city of Durban. According to some reports, the 150-metre multipurpose cargo vessel, the An Yue Jiang - registered in China and one of 600 vessels owned by the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), dubbed by South African media as the "Ship... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, China
Global Gun Control Campaign Protests Chinese Arms Shipment to Zimbabwe
New Era (Windhoek)
22 April 2008
WINDHOEK -- The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) yesterday called on all Namibians to raise their voices in protest against the docking of the Chinese ship, An Jue Jiang, at a Namibian harbour. The ship is carrying arms bound for Zimbabwe, including three million rounds of ammunition and desperately trying to find a way to deliver the cargo to that country. After the International Action Network on Small Arms, IANSA, a global... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China, South Africa, United States, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia
Gun Cargo Rejection 'Dramatic Turn' for Africa's Embrace of Zimbabwe
Washington Post
22 April 2008
JOHANNESBURG -- A Chinese ship carrying weapons and ammunition for Zimbabwe's military may be headed back home, reports said, after repeated attempts to deliver its cargo were frustrated by a coalition of legal activists, union workers and human rights groups. The region's resistance to the shipment, which drew praise from the United States on Tuesday, marks a dramatic turn from southern Africa's traditional embrace of Zimbabwe's... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, China
Southern African Ports Shun Ship Carrying Guns to Zimbabwe; US Agrees
Los Angeles Times / Chicago Tribune
22 April 2008
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- Public outcries have forced a rusty Chinese cargo ship to avoid South Africa, Mozambique and Angola, leaving it at sea Tuesday with 77 tons of munitions bound for Zimbabwe, where an election crisis has reportedly turned violent. The An Yue Jiang was carrying about 3 million rounds of Chinese ammunition, 1,500 rockets and 3,000 mortar shells. The State Department's top Africa envoy, who is to arrive... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, China
Under African Pressure, China Recalls Cargo of Zimbabwe Guns, Ammo?
SW Radio Africa (London)
22 April 2008
A controversial arms shipment from China, meant for crisis torn Zimbabwe, might have been recalled back to China following pressure from African countries that refused to allow it to dock at their ports. On Tuesday the China Ocean Shipping Company, owners of the An Yue Jiang ship, announced their vessel was coming back home. Despite Chinese claims that the delivery was 'normal military product trade,' Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa... ( gunpolicy.org )
United States, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, South Africa, China
US Seeks to Block Zimbabwe-bound Chinese Ammunition, Gun Shipment
Associated Press
22 April 2008
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is intervening with governments in southern Africa to prevent a Chinese ship carrying weapons for Zimbabwe's security forces from unloading its cargo, The Associated Press has learned. At the same time, the State Department's top Africa hand, Jendayi Frazer, plans to visit the region this week to underscore U.S. concerns about the shipment. Frazer also will try to persuade Zimbabwe's neighbors... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, China, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia
Zimbabwe Bristles at Southern Africa's Rejection of Guns, Ammo Cargo
News24 (Cape Town)
22 April 2008
HARARE -- Zimbabwe bristled at criticism for buying arms from China on Tuesday, as pressure mounted on its neighbours to keep a load of weapons from reaching their destination. China said a Chinese ship carrying the shipment might return home without offloading its cargo. The ship arrived in South Africa last week carrying Chinese weapons for landlocked Zimbabwe. South African human rights, union and others groups objected,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa, China
Campaign Against Zimbabwe Ammunition, Gun Shipment Gains Momentum
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) / SAPA
21 April 2008
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- A campaign to prevent arms currently aboard a Chinese ship from reaching Zimbabwe gained momentum on Monday with trade unions calling on their counterparts not to allow the vessel to dock at any African port. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) called for an international boycott of the vessel. "Cosatu is doing everything possible to alert the international trade-union movement... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa, Angola, China
South African Court, Unions, NGOs Block Guns, Ammo Cargo to Zimbabwe
Scotland on Sunday
20 April 2008
Dockyard workers in Africa are refusing to unload a Chinese ship laden with weapons for Zimbabwe. The whereabouts of the vessel, the An Yue Jiang, were not known last night, although it was believed to be heading to Angola. Sources say the ship is carrying three million rounds of AK-47 ammunition along with 1,500 rocket-propelled grenades and several thousand mortar rounds. Dock workers in the region are expected to refuse... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa
Global Gun Control Group Seeks Court Order to Block Ammo to Zimbabwe
SW Radio Africa (London)
18 April 2008
The South African government has said that it is determined to allow the export of a consignment of Chinese weapons and ammunition to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. AB Logistics is the state owned transport section of the South African Defence Forces, and they have been approached to handle this large shipment of weapons and ammunition to Zimbabwe. A number of private companies backed out of the contract. Not necessarily because of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa
Shipload of Guns, Ammunition Heads to Zimbabwe Through South Africa
Daily Mail (UK)
18 April 2008
Fears of bloody crackdown in Zimbabwe grew last night as a shipload of weapons bound for the country docked in South Africa ready to be transported across the border. South Africa said if the papers were in order it had no plans to interfere with the shipment from China of 77 tonnes of weapons -- including mortars, ammunition and rocket-held grenades -- despite the growing international outcry over Zimbabwe's failure to declare... ( gunpolicy.org )
Zimbabwe, South Africa
South Africa Lets Pass 3 Million Rounds of AK-47 Ammunition for Zimbabwe
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg)
18 April 2008
DURBAN -- The South African government is determined to allow the export of a large consignment of Chinese weapons and ammunition to the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF). The Mail & Guardian has confirmed that AB Logistics, state-owned Armscor's transport arm, has been approached to handle the transport of the weapons to Zimbabwe, after several private logistics firms backed out of the transport contract because of the sensitive cargo... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, East Africa
Development Money to East Africa Fails to End Gun Trade Among Herders
Nation (Nairobi)
17 April 2008
LONDON -- Donors have been asked to stop funding NGOs working for peace in northern Kenya because the money has failed to do anything to reduce conflicts between pastoralist communities. Moreover, governments in East Africa have been challenged to do more to stop the proliferation of arms in the region. They have also been urged to work jointly to disarm all militia groups to improve security in the region. These are the... ( gunpolicy.org )
West Africa, Central Africa
UN Helps West and Central African Countries Fight Scourge of Illicit Guns
UN News Centre (New York), Media release
16 April 2008
A two-day United Nations conference seeking to help West and Central African nations bolster their abilities to identify and trace illicit small arms and light weapons kicks off tomorrow in Lomé, Togo. Held by the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa -- part of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs -- the gathering will assist countries' efforts to implement the International Instrument to Enable States to Identify... ( gunpolicy.org )
Angola
Another 668 Civilian Guns Voluntarily Surrendered for Destruction In Angola
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
14 April 2008
LUBANGO -- Six hundred and 68 firearms were handed over voluntarily by citizens, last March, to the command of the National Police in central Huíla province, in light of the process of disarming the civil population, underway in the country, ANGOP learnt from an official source. The assistant co-ordinator of the provincial sub-commission of disarmament, 1st superintendent Feliciano António explained at a press conference that... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Ugandan Student Gets 9yrs Jail for Illegal Possession of Submachine Guns
New Vision (Kampala)
14 April 2008
KAMPALA -- Julius Nyago, a 20-year-old student of Dodoth College in Kotido district, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for illegal possession of guns. The 3rd Division Court Martial chaired by Col. John Baptist Mulindwa convicted Nyago on Friday. The court heard that he was arrested from school on January 17 with two sub-machine guns and 120 bullets that were concealed in a suitcase. The court also sentenced... ( gunpolicy.org )
Italy, Libya, Chad, Sudan, China
Libya Tried to Buy 1 Million Chinese Assault Rifles, Perhaps for Chad, Sudan
Associated Press
13 April 2008
PERUGIA, Italy -- The Libyan officer tried to cloak the purpose of his call to the Italian arms dealer. "A friend," he said, wanted to buy 1 million "pieces" and 50 million items of "food." But when that phone call was placed in 2006, Italian police were listening. They knew the meaning. Libya was shopping for guns -- lots of them. Authorities shadowed the negotiations between Libyan officials and a group of black-market... ( gunpolicy.org )
South Africa
South Africa's Gun Owner Licensing Renewal Process 'In Shambles'
Business Day (Johannesburg)
10 April 2008
CAPE TOWN -- The government is facing huge noncompliance and backlogs as legal gun owners fail to apply for their licences to be renewed and the Central Firearms Registry struggles to cope with the numbers that are lodged. While the Firearms Control Act was being processed by Parliament and again when an amendment went through both houses, the police were advised that re-licensing all legal firearms in four years was impractical.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia
Liberia, West African States Ratifying ECOWAS Gun Control Convention
Analyst (Monrovia)
9 April 2008
The ratification of the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their ammunition and related materials has begun in Monrovia. The ratification exercise, which is expected to be discharged by the National Legislature, was launched on Friday, April 4, 2008 at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Monrovia. The ceremony brought together lawmakers, government officials, civil society leaders,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, East Africa, Central Africa
Central, East African Nations Begin to Mark, Register and Trace Legal Guns
Nation (Nairobi)
7 April 2008
Twelve African countries Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to the marking of all state-owned small arms and light weapons by end of this year. The Regional Centre on Small Arms (Recsa) deputy executive secretary ambassador Tharcisse Midonzi said the 12 countries from the Great Lakes region, East Africa and Horn of Africa had also agreed to maintain data bases to ease the tracing of small arms and light weapons. Mr Midonzi... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Ugandan Army Denies Selling Guns to Karamojong Pastoralists, Rebels
New Vision (Kampala)
6 April 2008
KAMPALA -- The army has refuted reports that soldiers were selling guns and bullets to Karimojong warriors. The 3rd Division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, said they had set up an armoury committee headed by the division operations and training officer, Col. Paul L'Okech, to ensure there was no misuse of weapons. "We keep record of the guns in the hands of our soldiers whenever they go out for the cordon-and-search operations.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, East Africa, Central Africa
Central, East African States Launch Gun Marking Scheme to Curb Trafficking
East African Standard (Nairobi)
2 April 2008
NAIROBI -- Kenya became the first country in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa to mark its small arms and light weapons. During a symbolic ceremony that coincided with a regional workshop on small arms and light weapons marking and data management, equipment belonging to the Kenya Police was marked. An expert from South Africa, Mr Anthony Coetzee, marked a G-3 rifle and a Ceska pistol using a Marking Press Machine.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia
Liberians Aim to Eliminate Guns, Sexual Exploitation, Gender Violence
News (Monrovia)
2 April 2008
MONROVIA -- A social mobilization campaign intended to create conscientiousness amongst the Liberian people for the elimination of small arms and discourage sexual exploitation and violence against women has started in Monrovia The campaign spearheaded by the Crusaders for Peace involves secular, gospel musical artists and traditional dancers would be climaxed on April 15 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS). Culture... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, Africa
East, Central, North African Nations Meet to Trace, Intercept Illegal Guns
Nation (Nairobi)
1 April 2008
The Government will put in place mechanisms of tracing illicit firearms and gathering data that could lead to prosecution of illegal arms merchants. Police commissioner Major-General Hussein Ali has said the mechanisms would be key in curbing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) and help in containing insecurity. He made the remarks at Leopard Beach Hotel when he officially opened a five-day... ( gunpolicy.org )
South Africa
More South Africans Renew Gun Licences Under Firearm Control Act
South African Broadcasting Corporation News
31 March 2008
Today is the deadline for people to renew their firearm licenses in line with the Firearm Control Act. People who had gun licences under the previous legislation and who were born in the months of July, August and September must apply for their renewals by the end of today. The SA Gun Owners Association says, however, that the legislation is not working. Spokesperson Martin Hood says: "Most people are prepared to do what the law... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya
Study Estimates 127,000 Illegal Guns Loose in Kenya's North Rift Districts
Nation (Nairobi)
31 March 2008
The recent spate of violence in Laikipia District could be attributed to the proliferation of illegal arms in the region. Laikipia is bordered by Baringo and Samburu districts, which are thought to have up to 25,000 small arms being held illegally. In a book titled Terrorised Citizens by a retired Air Force officer and two university dons, Samburu is suspected to have 16,000 guns in the wrong hands with Baringo having about... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Corrupt Ugandan Army Officers Selling Guns to Rebels, Trading Stolen Cattle
Monitor (Kampala)
28 March 2008
KAMPALA -- Kaabong District, RDC Geoffrey Kiwanda yesterday alleged that some UPDF soldiers are selling guns and ammunition to the Karimojong. Flanked by the Dodoth County MP, Fr Simon Lodou, Mr Kiwanda told journalists at Parliament that the UPDF is not only selling impounded cattle but also guns and ammunition. "Whenever we track these guns from Karimojong during the disarmament operations, we recover our very own guns... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Uganda: Gun Running, Armed Violence Could Harm Northern Peace Deal
Monitor (Kampala)
28 March 2008
KAMPALA/GULU -- As northern Uganda prepares for a post-war recovery programme that will see thousands of displaced people resume a normal life, arms trafficking is becoming a serious security concern among the stakeholders. Security and local leaders fear that the problem of illegal guns and weapons said to be in the hands of former LRA combatants, Karimojong warriors, army deserters, robbers, arms traffickers from Southern Sudan,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Ugandan Army Seizes Guns, Aims to Curb Illegal Arms Trade, Smuggling
New Vision (Kampala)
26 March 2008
There are clandestine markets dealing in small arms and light weapons along Uganda's borders, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, has said. Nyakairima said the weapons were being used in criminal activities against both civilians and security agents. "We are aware that there are some well established markets that sell small arms and light weapons along Uganda's borders and trading routes. All these help... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Ugandan Army Cancels Karamojong Gun Amnesty, Will Jail Firearm Owners
Monitor (Kampala)
25 March 2008
MOROTO -- The army will not grant any more amnesty to Karimojong warriors arrested with guns. According to the division commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, any Karimojong warrior arrested with an illegal gun shall be court martialled immediately and sentenced to imprisonment. Under the UPDF amnesty -- any Karimojong warrior who voluntarily hands over a gun or is arrested with a gun during cordon and search operation, is to be set... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia, Sierra Leone
Liberia: 30,000 Rounds of Illegal Ammo Seized Near Sierra Leone Border
News (Monrovia)
24 March 2008
MONROVIA -- Liberian Police have seized 30,000 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifles in the western region of the country, close to the border with Sierra Leone, a report by the French News Agency (AFP) said. The AFP, quoting a senior Liberian police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of the ammunition were initially found last Wednesday by local people at Sinje -- a Liberian town bordering Sierra Leone... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
Illegal Guns 'Unacceptable' in Namibia: Government Plans to Tighten Law
Namibian (Windhoek)
20 March 2008
WINDHOEK -- With plans underway to change the country's Arms and Ammunition Act, officials from the Police and other relevant bodies spent some time last week in a consultative workshop to discuss the law's review. Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Gabes Shihepo said the steep rise in violent crimes emphasised the changing role of small arms and light weapons. "Namibia is experiencing a high degree of intensity of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Rwanda
New Rwanda Gun Law Promises 5 Years to Life for Firearm Trafficking
New Times (Kigali)
19 March 2008
KIGALI -- The Lower Chamber of Parliament has passed a Bill that criminalizes the illegal possession of firearms. The Bill determines ways of acquisition, possession, carriage, manufacturing, selling, storage and obtaining all types of ammunitions and their accessories. Any person who exposes, lends, gives away or loses a firearm will serve a sentence of one year in prison and a fine of Frw100,000 or both. It also... ( gunpolicy.org )
Kenya, Africa
'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Had Gun Running Deals With East Africans
East African (Nairobi)
17 March 2008
Viktor Bout. His name has a sharp, staccato to it, much like the sound of an AK-47 shot. Dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by former British foreign office minister Peter Hain, the countries the Russian national has reputedly sold arms to -- Liberia, Sierra Leone, Angola, Congo and others -- read like a list of Africa's worst killing fields. The UN and international human-rights activists say that those arms, obtained illegally or... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda
Former Rebels Told to Surrender Illegal Guns Hidden in West Nile Region
New Vision (Kampala)
16 March 2008
KAMPALA -- The army has called on former combatants in the West Nile region to surrender military weapons in their possession. Capt. Robert Kamara, the regional UPDF spokesman, said they had evidence that former soldiers had guns hidden in discreet arms banks. "There were various rebel groups that signed peace agreements with the Government and declared their arms. But we believe that some of them did not have the opportunity... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda, Sudan, Africa
Ugandan Military Seize 'Massive Cache' of Illegal Guns in West Nile Region
Sunday Vision (Kampala)
15 March 2008
A massive cache of illegal arms has been seized by security agencies in the West Nile region, in the past fortnight. With the accumulation of illegal arms in the West Nile, following the 20-year-old LRA war and other armed conflicts in the neighbouring region's neighbouring countries, the security agencies swung into action early this month, to halt it. The operation by security and intelligence services and local people,... ( gunpolicy.org )
China, Sudan
China Denies Dramatic Increase in Assault Weapon sales to Sudan, Darfur
Associated Press
14 March 2008
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- A U.S.-based human rights group said China dramatically boosted small-arms sales to Sudan as violence escalated in Darfur. Beijing denied the group's report on Friday. The report released Thursday by Human Rights First said China is the biggest supplier of small arms to Sudan. It provided 90 percent of all the African nation's small arms acquisitions between 2004 and 2006, totaling more than $50 million.... ( gunpolicy.org )
China, Sudan
China Sold $55 Million Worth of Guns to Sudan, Says Human Rights Group
Agence France Presse
13 March 2008
BEIJING -- China is the biggest supplier of small arms to Sudan following three years of increased sales that helped fuel violence in the African nation's Darfur region, a US-based rights group has said. From 2004 to 2006, China sold over 55 million dollars worth of small arms to the Sudanese government, which then armed the Arab militias accused of genocide in Darfur, Human Rights First said in a report released on Thursday. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Namibia
Licensed, Unlicensed Firearms Involved in Surge of Gun Crime in Namibia
New Era (Windhoek)
13 March 2008
WINDHOEK -- Namibia is amending its firearms and ammunition legislation to curb the proliferation of firearms, some of which are being used to commit serious crimes. Statistics from the Ministry of Safety and Security show that over a period of eight years (1998-2006), more than 32600 firearms cases, ranging from murder and attempted murder to pointing firearms were reported. During the same period, 117204 firearms licences... ( gunpolicy.org )
Liberia, Netherlands
Dutch Court Frees Timber Trader Accused of Gun Running to Liberia
New York Times
11 March 2008
PARIS -- A Dutch appeals court on Monday overturned the conviction of a lumber trader who had been found guilty of breaking a United Nations embargo and smuggling weapons for Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia, during that country's civil war. Guus Kouwenhoven, 65, a Dutch trader and a business partner of Mr. Taylor, had been sentenced in 2006 to eight years in prison for selling Liberian lumber on the world market... ( gunpolicy.org )
Netherlands, Liberia
Dutch Timber Magnate Acquitted of Gun Running, Stoking Liberian Conflict
Reuters
10 March 2008
AMSTERDAM -- An appeals court acquitted a Dutch businessman allied to former Liberian President Charles Taylor on Monday, overturning a guilty verdict for arms smuggling in Liberia. Guus Kouwenhoven was sentenced in 2006 to eight years in jail by a Dutch court for smuggling arms to Taylor's government between 2001 and 2003 in contravention of U.N. sanctions but acquitted of war crimes for lack of evidence. Kouwenhoven had denied... ( gunpolicy.org )
Nigeria, Germany
German Gun Makers Profited from Decades of Armed Violence in Nigeria
Guardian (Lagos), Opinion
10 March 2008
On New Year's Day 2008, 18 people died in a shooting scene in the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt, amongst them civilians who were caught up in the crossfire. Just like in Kenya -- where massacres were raging at the same time -- there was a German weapon at the centre of the violence: according to Nigerian press reports, the police confiscated one Heckler & Koch (H&K) G3 assault rifle from the attackers. However, German media only reported... ( gunpolicy.org )
Uganda, Africa
Ugandan Army Generals Linked to 'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner Bout
Monitor (Kampala)
10 March 2008
KAMPALA -- Mr Viktor Bout, the world's most notorious illegal arms baron who was arrested in Thailand at the weekend, sold arms to Uganda and illegally used Entebbe International Airport to ship arms to DR Congo and Liberia. Former Russian KGB officer Bout -- nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" -- is believed to have supplied weapons to dozens of rebel groups the world over, including the Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked groups. A... ( gunpolicy.org )
South Africa, Thailand, Russia, United States, Africa, World
'Merchant of Death' Gun Runner's' Secret Connections in Southern Africa
Cape Argus (Capetown)
9 March 2008
An arrest at a luxury Thailand hotel has sent shockwaves rippling through various governmental, aviation and murky arms-trade, diamond-dealing and money-laundering circles from Johannesburg and Polokwane through to Kabul, Kinshasa, Ostend and Washington. Former Johannesburg resident Viktor Bout, the man dubbed the Merchant of Death and said to have inspired the blockbuster movie The Lord of War, was arrested on Thursday in a sting... ( gunpolicy.org )
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