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Central African Republic — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms

The estimated total number of guns held by civilians in Central African Republic is 40,0001

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Rate of Civilian Firearm Possession per 100 Population

The rate of private gun ownership in Central African Republic is 1.02 firearms per 100 people

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Number of Privately Owned Firearms - World Ranking

In a comparison of the number of privately owned guns in 178 countries, Central African Republic ranked at No. 1591

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Rate of Privately Owned Firearms per 100 Population - World Ranking

In a comparison of the rate of private gun ownership in 179 countries, Central African Republic ranked at No. 1532

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Estimated Number of Illicit Firearms

Unlawfully held guns cannot be counted, but in Central African Republic there are estimated to be 50,0003 4

Government Guns

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Number of Military Firearms

The defence forces of Central African Republic are reported to have 3,3005 to 5,5526 7 8 firearms

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Number of Law Enforcement Firearms

Police in Central African Republic are reported to have 2,3599 7 8 firearms

ImpactsGun Death and Injury

Number of Homicides (any method)

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn Central African Republic, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2004: 29.1010
2002: 23.50

ProductionGun Industry

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Firearm Manufacture

In Central African Republic, the manufacture of small arms, ammunition and/or their components is is not conducted11

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Home-made Guns

In Central African Republic the prevalence of illicit craft, or 'home-made' firearm manufacture is reported to be moderate11

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Export Control

In Central African Republic, firearm and ammunition exports are limited by transfer control law 12 13

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Small Arms Exports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition exports from Central African Republic is reported to be US$2,03514 (1997)

Import Control

In Central African Republic, firearm and ammunition imports are limited by transfer control law 12 13

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Small Arms Imports (US$)

The annual value of small arms and ammunition imports to Central African Republic is reported to be US$1,636,17314 (2009)

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Smuggling Guns and Ammunition

Reports suggest that the level of firearm and ammunition smuggling in Central African Republic is moderate15 16 17 18

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Market Cost of an AK-47 Assault Rifle (US$)

The asking price for an AK-47 pattern assault weapon in Central African Republic is reported to be US$15019

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Regulation of Arms Brokers

In Central African Republic, the activities of arms brokers and transfer intermediaries are not specifically regulated by law13

MeasuresGun Regulation

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in Central African Republic is the Law No 64.34 of 20 November 196420 21

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in Central African Republic do not include13 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

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Collection, Amnesty and Destruction Programmes

Authorities in Central African Republic are known to have22 23 24 25 26 implemented voluntary firearm surrender schemes, and/or weapon seizure programmes in order to reduce the number of illicit firearms in circulation

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Surrendered in Gun Amnesty

In Central African Republic, the number of firearms and/or rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered for destruction in recent arms amnesty and collection programmes is reported to be 2,00025 (1996) and 1,30027 (2003)

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Small Arms Destroyed

In Central African Republic, the total number of firearms destroyed following recent amnesty, collection and seizure programmes is reported to be 70524 28 (2002) and 20928 (2003)

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Destruction and Disposal Policy

In Central African Republic, it it is not state policy29 to destroy surplus, collected and seized firearms rather than return them to the secondary arms market

MeasuresInternational Controls

Regional Agreements

African Union

In June 2006, as a member of the African Union, Central African Republic adopted an African Common Position to take to the Conference to Review the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA), held in June 200630

United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa

In November 2010, as a member of the United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), Central African Republic adopted the Central Africa Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition, Parts and Components that can be used for their Manufacture, Repair and Assembly, known as the ‘Kinshasa Convention. A legally binding multilateral treaty for which UNSAC is depository, the Kinshasa Convention has since been signed, but not yet ratified31 32 33 by Central African Republic

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty

In 2009, Central African Republic was absent from voting on34 negotiations towards a legally binding Arms Trade Treaty. In this vote, 151 UN Member States supported talks on an ATT, with 1 voting against, 20 abstentions, and 20 non-votes

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United Nations Firearms Protocol

The United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition has been signed and ratified35 by Central African Republic

United Nations Small Arms Programme of Action UNPoA

UNPoA Commitment

On 21 July 2001, Central African Republic committed to a consensus decision of the United Nations to adopt, support and implement the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects36

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UNPoA National Reporting

Under the terms of its 2001 commitment to the United Nations small arms Programme of Action, Central African Republic has submitted one or more national reports37 38 on its implementation of the UNPoA

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UNPoA National Point of Contact

In Central African Republic, a National Point of Contact to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has not been designated39 38

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UNPoA National Coordinating Body

In Central African Republic, a National Coordinating Body to deal with issues relating to the UNPoA has been designated39

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UNPoA International Assistance – Donor

Funds for UNPoA implementation have not been donated38 by Central African Republic to other UN Member States

United Nations Small Arms Register

According to the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms, Central African Republic has not declared1 its small arms exports in one or more annual National Reports on Arms Exports.

United Nations Membership

In the UN List of Member States, Central African Republic has been a Member State of the United Nations since 196040

Wassenaar Arrangement

The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies does not list41 Central African Republic as a Participating State
Last Updated on 25 January 2012

Short References

1.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q4)Full Citation

2.

Karp, Aaron.2007.‘Completing the Count: Civilian firearms.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q5)Full Citation

3.

Berman, Eric G.2005.‘Stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies / Oxford University Press,1 January. (Q5358)Full Citation

4.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Executive Summary.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5246)Full Citation

5.

Karp, Aaron.2005.‘The Count Continues: Stockpiles: Military inventories.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q5109)Full Citation

6.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q6)Full Citation

7.

Berman, Eric G.2005.‘Estimated Small Arms Stockpiles in CAR, State Agencies, and Other (former) Armed Groups.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies / Oxford University Press,1 January. (Q5105)Full Citation

8.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Strengths of Central African State Actors and Estimated Stockpiles of Small Arms and Light Weapons, As of September 2003.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5239)Full Citation

9.

Karp, Aaron.2006.‘Trickle and Torrent: State stockpiles.’ Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business.Oxford:Oxford University Press,1 July. (Q7)Full Citation

10.

Petrini, Benjamin.2011.‘Sub-Saharan Africa, 1995-2008, Total Recorded Intentional Homicide, Completed, Rate per 100,000 Population.’ World Bank Homicide Rate Dataset 1995-2008.Washington DC:Social Development Department, World Bank,10 February. (Q3812)Full Citation

11.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Weapons Generated within CAR – Indigenous Production.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5244)Full Citation

12.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Analysis of National Arms Transfer Control Systems – Outmoded and Incomplete Regulation.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q5011)Full Citation

13.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Transactions and Activities Covered – Imports, Exports, Transit and Brokering.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q5013)Full Citation

14.

Marsh, Nicholas.2011.‘Database of Authorised Transfers of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’ NISAT Small Arms Trade Database.Oslo:Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers,1 June. (Q16)Full Citation

15.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Indirect Transfers from Regional Armies and Armed Groups – Chad.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5240)Full Citation

16.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Indirect Transfers from Regional Armies and Armed Groups – Sudan.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5241)Full Citation

17.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Indirect Transfers from Regional Armies and Armed Groups – Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire).’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5242)Full Citation

18.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Indirect Transfers from Regional Armies and Armed Groups – Republic of the Congo.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5243)Full Citation

19.

World Bank.2007.‘Available Kalashnikov Prices for Specific Countries and Periods.’ Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City.Cambridge:Cambridge University Press,27 August. (Q3)Full Citation

20.

Central African Republic.2003.‘Legal and Legislative Provisions (Dispositions légales et législatives).’ National Report of the Central African Republic on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of the Central African Republic to the United Nations,16 June. (Q3842)Full Citation

21.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Analysis of National Arms Transfer Control Systems – Arms Categories Covered.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q5012)Full Citation

22.

Berman, Eric G.2005.‘Arms Recovery and Disarmament Efforts – Unilateral National Initiatives.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies / Oxford University Press,1 January. (Q5108)Full Citation

23.

Berman, Eric G.2005.‘Arms Recovery and Disarmament Efforts – Internationally Assisted Initiatives.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies / Oxford University Press,1 January. (Q5237)Full Citation

24.

Central African Republic.2003.‘Field of Interventions (Domaine des interventions).’ National Report of the Central African Republic on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York:Permanent Mission of the Central African Republic to the United Nations,16 June. (Q3840)Full Citation

25.

Faltas, Sami, Glenn McDonald and Camilla Waszink.2001.‘Central African Republic.’ Removing Small Arms From Society: A Review of Weapons Collection and Destruction Programmes.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 July. (Q5104)Full Citation

26.

Berman, Eric G and Louisa N. Lombard.2008.‘Internationally Assisted Initiatives – MISAB and MINURCA Programmes.’ The Central African Republic and Small Arms: A Regional Tinderbox.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies,1 December. (Q5245)Full Citation

27.

UN Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). 2003. ‘Chadian Troops Recover 1,300 Firearms in Bangui.’ 25 March. (N223) Full Citation

28.

Berman, Eric G.2005.‘Arms Recovery and Disarmament Efforts – Internationally Assisted Initiatives.’ Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War.Geneva:Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies / Oxford University Press,1 January. (Q5238)Full Citation

29.

Moreau, Virginie, Cédric Poitevin and Jihan Seniora.2010.‘Africa and Arms Transfers – Stockpiles.’ Arms Transfer Controls: The Example of French-Speaking States in Sub-Saharan Africa.Brussels:Groupe de Recherche et d'Information sur la Paix et la Sécurité (GRIP),1 May. (Q5010)Full Citation

30.

African Union / UNODA.2005.‘Windhoek Common Position.’ United Nations Programme of Action Implementation Support System: Regional Organisations.New York:African Union / United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,14 December. (Q3216)Full Citation

31.

UNODA / UNREC.2010.‘Kinshasa Convention: Central Africa Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition, Parts and Components that can be used for their Manufacture, Repair and Assembly.’ United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC).Kinshasa:United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC),22 November. (Q3320)Full Citation

32.

UNDPI.2010.‘United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa Adopts Convention on Small Arms Control.’ United Nations Press Release AFR/1974 DC/3237.New York:UN Department of Public Information,12 May. (Q1940)Full Citation

33.

UNODA.2010.‘United Nations Standing Advisory Committee on Security Questions in Central Africa adopts Convention on Small Arms Control.’ UNODA Update.New York:United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs,3 July. (Q5095)Full Citation

34.

UNGA.2009.‘Towards an Arms Trade Treaty: Establishing common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.’ UN Resolution A/RES/64/48.New York:United Nations General Assembly,2 June. (Q1886)Full Citation

35.

UNGA.2001.‘United Nations Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition.’ UN General Assembly Resolution 55/255.New York:UN General Assembly,31 May. (Q17)Full Citation

36.

UNGA.2001.‘Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.’ United Nations General Assembly.New York:UN General Assembly,20 July. (Q18)Full Citation

37.

Cattaneo, Silvia and Sarah Parker.2008.‘Reporting, NPCs and NCAs, 2002 to 2008.’ Implementing the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Analysis of the National Reports submitted by States from 2002 to 2008.Geneva:United Nations Development Programme,1 November. (Q20)Full Citation

38.

UNODA.2009.‘PoA-ISS Country Profiles.’ UN small arms Programme of Action (UNPoA) – Implementation Support System.New York:United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs,29 October. (Q1309)Full Citation

39.

IANSA.2006.‘Reviewing Action on Small Arms 2006: Assessing the first five years of the UN Programme of Action.’ Biting the Bullet 'Red Book' 2006.New York:International Action Network on Small Arms and the Biting the Bullet project,26 June. (Q166)Full Citation

40.

UN.2009.‘Member States of the United Nations.’ UN.org Web Site.New York:United Nations General Assembly,11 May. (Q290)Full Citation

41.

Wassenaar Arrangement.1996.‘Introduction: Participating States.’ Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls and Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies.Vienna:Wassenaar Secretariat,12 July. (Q19)Full Citation