Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Côte d'Ivoire
Ivory Coast Government to Mark All of Its Weapons [Francais]
4 May 2012
Abidjan.net (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated Summary: Things are going to change in Côte d'Ivoire regarding the conditions for owning small firearms. To this effect, the Ivorian state has decided to proceed with marking all of its weapons.]
Des choses vont changer au niveau des conditions pour la détention d'armes de petits calibres en Côte d'Ivoire. Pour ce faire, l'Etat ivoirien a décidé de procéder au marquage de toutes ses armes.
« Le marquage se fera dans un premier temps sur les armes... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Abidjan.net (Côte d'Ivoire)
36099
Liberia,Sierra Leone,Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana
Of 230,000 Guns Made in Ghana, 56% Are Unlicensed, in Unknown Hands
26 April 2012
Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana), Editorial
It is not at the alarm state yet. But, the disclosure that 56 percent of a total of 230,000 small arms manufactured in the country remains unlicensed, and in hands that could not be identified, pose a threat to the security of the state. It means that as many as 125,000 illicit guns are in the system without any means of tracking them.
In addition, there are other light weapons which might have trickled down from conflict areas like Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana)
36079
Ghana
Ghanaian Police to Crackdown on Illegal Possession of Firearms
25 April 2012
Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana)
The Head of Small Arms Division at the Police Headquarters in Accra, Chief Superintendent Aboagye Yeboah, has hinted The Chronicle that his outfit would soon embark on an exercise to randomly search all individuals suspected of owning small firearms in the country. The decision, according to him, is to control the proliferation of small arms in the country.
Aboagye Yeboah further told The Chronicle that in collaboration with the Small Arms Commission they (police) had... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghanaian Chronicle (Ghana)
36076
West Africa
Governments, Civil Society Call for Regulation of Nigeria's Gun Trade
25 April 2012
Channels TV (Nigeria)
Government officials from ECOWAS member states and a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have demanded an urgent attention to the proliferation of small arms in the sub-region.
This was the focus of the talks on addressing the challenge during the meeting on small arms trade in Abuja on Wednesday, as top government officials from the 15 member states of ECOWAS converged in Abuja to prepare for the United Nations arms trade treaty... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Channels TV (Nigeria)
36072
Ghana
Improved Gun Tracing, Registration Needed in Ghana, Says Commission
25 April 2012
Ghana web (Ghana)
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCSALW) says there are approximately 30 arms importers licensed in Ghana, with mostly no credible database on their activities.
State institutions do not have exact statistics on the number of arms these licensed arms dealers import annually, or who they sell these weapons to because current State legislations lack the capacity to ensure the effective monitoring of their activities.
There are varied statistics... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana web (Ghana)
36068
Ghana
Poor Records Allow Government Guns to Leak into Ghana Black Market
24 April 2012
Spy Ghana (Ghana)
The Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has raised grave concerns about arms in circulation indicating that about 20 percent of illegally manufactured weapons in circulation are from the nation's security services. According to the Commission, the porous nature of the record keeping and data management systems by the security services has led to the phenomenon, adding that per the records over 200,000 small arms are in the custody of civilians.
Analysts have... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Spy Ghana (Ghana)
36066
Ghana
Ghanaian Police Urged to Educate Public: There's No Need to Carry Guns
23 April 2012
Joy Online (Ghana)
A Lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Cape Coast, Mr Takyi Akonnor, has charged security institutions in the country to 'step up their game' to convince the citizenry of their safety. Doing so, he said, will assure people that there is no need for them to acquire small arms to protect themselves.
Mr Akonnor was speaking in an interview with Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Monday. He was commenting on reports suggesting... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Joy Online (Ghana)
36063
Ghana
Increase in Number of Illegal Arms Circulating in Ghana
23 April 2012
Joy Online (Ghana)
One hundred and twenty-five thousand illicit guns are in circulation in the country without any form of data or record indicating where and who owns them, according to a baseline study in 2004.
According to the report, about 400,000 small arms are in circulation in the country. A little over half of the number 220,000 is in civilian hands. Only 95,000, representing 43.2 per cent, are registered, leaving a significant 56.8 per cent or 125,000 unaccounted for.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Joy Online (Ghana)
36062
West Africa,Ghana,Mali,Liberia
African Media Tasked to Assist Security Agencies Fight Arms Trafficking
20 April 2012
Ghana News Agency
Mr Jones Applerh, Executive Secretary, Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission, (SALW), on Friday appealed to the media to help security agencies control small arms proliferation in the country, especially before, during and after the December polls.
He urged the media to use the power of mass communication to expose the dangers of illicit proliferation of small arms into Ghana and other West African States.
Mr Applerh was addressing a three-day capacity building... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
36059
Senegal,Tunisia,Latvia,France,Romania,Mali,Guinea,Ghana,Europe,Africa,Côte d'Ivoire,Belarus
Belarus FM Denies Reports of Illegal Arms Transfers to Côte d'Ivoire
20 April 2012
Telegraf (Belarus)
Spokesman for the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Andrei Savinykh denied reports of arms shipments to Côte d'Ivoire in violation of the UN sanctions. "It's not even an accusation; it's a clumsy attempt of individual journalists to muddy the waters, as the proverb says," he said.
"The Belarusian side has been always cooperating openly with experts from the UN Security Council Committee on Côte d'Ivoire, whose reports these pseudo-journalists referred to. If they really... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Telegraf (Belarus)
36051
Ghana
Proper Record Keeping of Small Arms Urged in Ghana
19 April 2012
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Ghana)
The Executive Secretary of National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Jones Applerh, is calling for proper record keeping of all arms and communication distribution in the country.
To Mr Applerh, this is the only effective and easy way to locate and identify the true ownership of arms with the system.
He was speaking on the first sensitisation and capacity building for journalists at Sogakope in the Volta... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (Ghana)
36054
Nigeria
Nigerian Customs Import 5,000 AK-47 Rifles to Tackle Gun Smuggling
18 April 2012
Leadership (Abuja)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it has imported about 5,000 AK-47 assault rifles and two helicopters to be used in tackling proliferation of small arms by smugglers across the country's porous borders.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, who disclosed this while speaking to State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday also said that Customs had purchase 400 units of Toyota Hilux vehicles approved by... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Leadership (Abuja)
36040
Ghana
Ghanaians Called Upon to Rise Against Gun Violence
13 April 2012
Public Agenda (Accra)
The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has noted with grave concern the recent incidence of gun violence reported in the media.
According to the Commission, the growing impact of Small Arms in the country especially as we approach the elections is worrying and must not be ignored by all peace loving Ghanaians.
It therefore reminded all and sundry that the proliferation and misuse of small arms was a threat to the security of people and nations... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Public Agenda (Accra)
36030
Ethiopia,South Africa,Burkina Faso,Sierra Leone,West Africa,Ukraine,Côte d'Ivoire,Eastern Europe,Russia,Central African Republic,Iraq,Afghanistan,United States,Colombia,Angola,Liberia,North Africa,West Asia,Africa
Shadowy 'Merchants of Death' Behind Africa's Illegal Gun-Running
11 April 2012
Think Africa Press (London)
Arms dealer Viktor Bout was sentenced to 25 years by a US federal court last week.
Widely known as the 'merchant of death', the 45-year-old Russian has delivered weapons and arms to a wide range of presidents, insurgents and rebels in Africa and the Middle East including the likes of Charles Taylor in Liberia and Jonas Savimbi in Angola. He was caught in a US sting in which his services were solicited for the supply of weapons to Colombia's FARC rebels.
His companies... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Think Africa Press (London)
36019
Qatar,East Africa,Russia,North Korea,China,West Asia,North Africa,Syria,Mali,Libya,Belgium,West Africa
Small Arms Manufactured in Belgium Proliferate in Libya, Mali [Francais]
11 April 2012
L'Express (France) / AFP
[Translated summary: Notwithstanding risks of proliferation, small arms manufactured in Belgium circulate in Libya, Mali, and maybe tomorrow in Syria? Belgium is the biggest european exporter of small arms: in 2010, 32% of european exports of small arms to Middle East and North Africa came from this country.]
Malgré les mises en garde à Bruxelles sur les risques de prolifération, les armes légères fabriquées en Belgique circulent de la Libye au Mali. Et demain,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: L'Express (France) / AFP
36014
Ghana
Report Debunks that Ghana Smuggled Illegally Manufactured Guns
11 April 2012
Peace FM Online (Ghana)
The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms has debunked reports that Ghana smuggles illegally manufactured weapons to neighbouring countries.
This came to light when the commission undertook a survey to ascertain the veracity or otherwise of some reports by some ECOWAS member states that Ghana tops the list of West African countries who smuggle illegally manufactured arms to other countries.
Speaking to Citi News, the programmes officer at the Ghana National... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Peace FM Online (Ghana)
36010
Nigeria
Hoodlums Attack Police Station in Nigeria, Steal 14 AK-47 Rifles
5 April 2012
Vanguard (Lagos)
AWKA — Gunmen,numbering seven yesterday, attacked Amichi police station in Nnewi South Local Government Area and injured a police officer in the process. About 10 vehicles packed within and around the police premises were also riddled with bullets.
The hoodlums were said to have stormed the police station at about 2.30 am and after sporadic shooting, released two suspects believed to be their members and also allegedly made away with 14 AK-47 riffles belonging to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
35993
Ghana
Rash of Gun Violence Worries Ghana Commission as Elections Near
4 April 2012
Ghana Business News
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons is expressing grave concern over recent incidents of gun violence reported in the media especially as Ghana goes to the polls in December this year.
Ghana will hold both presidential and parliamentary elections December 7, 2012.
In a statement copied to ghanabusinessnews.com and signed by its Executive Secretary, Jones Borteye Applerh April 3, 2012, the Commission said the growing impact of small arms in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana Business News
35978
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Spends $Millions on Assault Weapons in Election Run-up
23 March 2012
Reuters
UNITED NATIONS - Sierra Leone's government should explain why it bought millions of dollars worth of assault weapons to equip a recently enlarged paramilitary wing of its police as the country prepares for elections in November, the outgoing U.N. envoy said on Thursday.
Michael von der Schulenburg told the U.N. Security Council that according to a leaked shipping document the weapons bought by the West African state in January included heavy machine guns and grenade... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
35950
Panama,Liberia,Oman,Yemen,Egypt,Saudi Arabia,Mauritius,Seychelles,Mongolia,Djibouti,Madagascar,United Arab Emirates,United Kingdom,Somalia,Kenya
Anti-piracy Security Firms Keep Guns in Floating Armouries to Avoid Law
22 March 2012
Associated Press
NAIROBI, Kenya — Private security firms are storing their guns aboard floating armories in international waters so ships that want armed anti-piracy guards for East Africa's pirate-infested waters can cut costs and circumvent laws limiting the import and export of weapons, industry officials say.
Companies and legal experts say the operation of the armories is a "legal gray area" because few, if any, governments have laws governing the practice. Some security... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
35956
Mexico,Australia,Brazil,Nigeria,Canada
Canada Changed Its Arms Policy, Chose UN Delegate to Suit Gun Lobby
21 March 2012
CBC News (Canada)
The office of Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird ordered last-minute changes to Canada's position on an international arms treaty, as well as to its delegation to meetings at United Nations headquarters, CBC News has learned.
According to documents obtained under the Access to Information Act, the minister's office ignored advice from the department and ordered civil servants to invite Steve Torino, president of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA), to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: CBC News (Canada)
35940
Nigeria
Nigeria Police Trained on Firearm Handling after Spate of Extra Judicial Killings
19 March 2012
Vanguard (Lagos)
The Nigeria Police Force has begun capacity building with particular reference to handling of arms by policemen, following spate of extra judicial killings across the country.
To this end, 5,000 policemen have concluded the first batch of training on when and how to use the firearms.
This came as the Federal Government has concluded plans to provide the Nigeria Police Force with enough patrol vehicles, with a view to carrying out surveillance on Nigerian roads,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
35935
Côte d'Ivoire
UN Satisfied with Pace of Amnesty - 1,300 Arms Collected in Côte d'Ivoire
19 March 2012
Defence Web (South Africa)
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire has said it is encouraged by the pace of its arms collection exercise that started in June last year, but noted that much remains to be done to take away weapons from civilians and those who may have participated in past conflicts.
"To date 2,000 ex-combatants have voluntarily handed in 1,300 weapons and some 50,000 pieces of ammunition," Hamadoun Touré, spokesperson for the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Defence Web (South Africa)
35916
Senegal
Senegal: 456 Licences to Carry Firearms Granted in 2011 [Francais]
14 March 2012
Press Afrik (Dakar)
[Translated summary: An annual report from Senegal Ministry of Interior reveals that there were 1,556 applications for licences to carry or to possess firearms in 2011. 456 authorisations were granted.]
La demande en armement a été forte au cours de l'année 2011. 1556 demandes de permis de port ou détention d'armes à feu ont été enregistrées par l'APS de la période allant de janvier à novembre 2011.
456 autorisations ont été notées parmi les 1556... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Press Afrik (Dakar)
35907
Côte d'Ivoire,Mali,Togo,West Africa,Ghana,Kenya
Ghana National Security Receives Firearm Marking Machines
7 March 2012
Ghana News Agency
The Regional Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) based in Kenya, on Wednesday presented two weapon marking machines to Ghana in efforts to eliminate the illicit trade and proliferation of small arms and weapons.
The donation was made during a three-day training programme for security personnel on weapons marking and record-keeping in Accra and organised in collaboration with the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) and Ministry of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
35896
Philippines,Trinidad & Tobago,Zimbabwe,Zambia,Uganda,Tanzania,Senegal,Congo (DRC),Pakistan,Nigeria,Niger,Namibia,Morocco,Mauritania,Malawi,Madagascar,Côte d'Ivoire,Burkina Faso,Botswana,Egypt,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Ghana,China,United States,Austria,Russia,Israel,Bahrain,Asia,Africa,Brazil
Brazil Arms Exports: Country Preaches Peace, Sells Tons of Arms
28 February 2012
Huffington Post (USA)
A small, scratched metal can thrown on the ground created Brazil's first diplomatic embarrassment of 2012. The canister of tear gas had been collected by pro-democracy activists in Bahrain. Stamped across the can in blue was a Brazilian flag and the words 'MADE IN BRAZIL.'
One year had passed since Bahrain became the stage for pro-democracy protests by the majority Shiites against the Sunni monarchy commanded by king Hamad bin-Isa Khalifa. The protesters had been... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Huffington Post (USA)
35870
Nigeria
Police Arrest Nigerian 'AK-47' Manufacturer, Seize Assault Rifles, Pistols
14 February 2012
Vanguard (Lagos)
MAKURDI — Two months of renewed onslaught against criminals and violent crimes across Benue State by the new Commissioner of Police in charge of the state, Mr. John Haruna has yielded an unprecedented results with the avalanche of arrests of men of the underworld in parts of the state.
The frontal measure against criminals in the State culminated in the arrest of 620 suspects most of who were apprehended with lethal weapons and sophisticated arms and ammunition.
In... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
35826
Germany,United Kingdom,China,Nigeria
British and German Arms Dealers Involved in Arms Shipment to Nigeria
8 February 2012
Daily Trust (Abuja)
British prosecutors recently vowed to pursue a legal case involving the shipment of large cache of weapons, allegedly from China and destined for Nigeria, after a London judge threw it out.
Those involved in the trade are said to be British and German arms dealers. Mr Gary Hyde, a 42-year old retired British volunteer police officer, is accused of conspiring with his German business partner Karl Kleber for the illegal shipment of 40,000 Ak47 assault rifles, 30,000... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35808
Côte d'Ivoire
Cote d'Ivoire: UN Disarmament Operation Continues Near Abidjan
1 February 2012
UN News Service
A United Nations voluntary disarmament operation began today in a suburb north of the Ivorian city of Abidjan, aiming to collect illegal weapons still in circulation among the civilian population.
The operation, conducted by the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and national authorities, is part of a wider national campaign which began in June and that targets various regions of the country, with last month's having been held in the town of Attécoubé.
"This... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: UN News Service
35791
China,United States,Ghana,Nigeria
Nigerian Civilians Hold 2 Million Guns, Security Forces 600,000
30 January 2012
Nation (Nigeria)
Members of the dreaded insurgent group, Boko Haram, armed robbers and hired assassins have done great havoc with guns acquired illegally. Where are they coming from? OLUKAYODE THOMAS and JOKE KUJENYA examine the sources of illegal arms into the country.
The ruins are still visible on the police zonal headquatres in Kano. The offices of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) testify to the Boko Haram bombing and armed assaults of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Nigeria)
35782
Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand
Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]
27 January 2012
Publica (Brazil)
[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Publica (Brazil)
35794
Iran,Ukraine,Ghana,Nigeria
Illegal Arms Importation, a Threat to Nigeria's Existence
23 January 2012
Nation (Nigeria), Editorial
A critical factor fuelling the alarming state of insecurity in Nigeria today is the dangerously large number of illegal arms circulating throughout the country. It is with these illegal weapons that sundry criminal elements have unleashed an unprecedented orgy of violence in recent times. In carrying out their dastardly acts, armed robbers, kidnappers, aggrieved militants, perpetrators of ethno-regional and communal conflagration, religious (Boko Haram) zealots,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Nigeria)
35758
Nigeria
Availability of Guns Highlights Critical Need for Nigeria to Tighten Gun Control
19 January 2012
Daily Trust (Abuja), Opinion
The recent detection and confiscation of Nigeria-bound cache of arms by the Ghanaian Police Service in Accra brings into focus the danger of illegal firearms in Nigeria.
The lorry load of weapons destined for Nigeria highlights a critical need for the Nigerian authorities to be more vigilant in enforcement of gun control laws. While Boko Haram bombings, communal killings and economic problems are taking centre stage, the onslaught of murderous bank robberies, killing... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35748
Nigeria,Ghana
Ghana Police Seized Arms and Ammunition Being Smuggled to Nigeria
12 January 2012
Daily Trust (Abuja)
ACCRA, Ghana — The Ghana Police Service says it impounded on Tuesday a lorry load of arms and ammunitions in Achimota, Accra, allegedly being smuggled to Nigeria from the country.
The police command, acting on a tip-off by a resident in the area, affirmed that five persons - three Ghanaians and two Nigerians - were arrested in connection with the crime.
The suspects, Sunday Eze, Samuel Taiwo and two others. are currently in police custody and assisting the Command... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35725
Germany,Poland,Nigeria,China,United Kingdom
UK Arms Dealer Arranged to Sell 80,000 Chinese Guns to Nigeria - Court
10 January 2012
BBC News
A British-based arms dealer helped organise the shipment of thousands of guns from China to Nigeria without the necessary licence, a court has heard.
Gary Hyde partly arranged and organised the shipment in 2007 of 80,000 rifles and pistols and 32 million rounds of ammunition.
Southwark Crown Court heard he did not receive permission from the relevant government department.
Mr Hyde, from Derwent near York, denies the charges.
The court was told the shipment involved... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC News
35724
Niger,Algeria
Algeria Seizes 100 Assault Rifles, Submachine Guns Near Niger Border
5 January 2012
Magharebia (USA)
ANP soldiers intercepted a four-vehicle convoy of arms smugglers near the Niger border, the Algerian defence ministry announced Wednesday (January 4th).
"Individuals from different African nations… were trying to bring through a big cargo of arms and ammunition," APS quoted the ministry as saying about the Tuesday operation.
More than 100 assault rifles and submachine guns, two RPG-7 rocket launchers and other weapons were seized, the ministry said, without... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Magharebia (USA)
35716
Côte d'Ivoire
In Cote d'Ivoire, Firearms Are Everywhere and in the Hands of All [Francais]
4 January 2012
West Africa Democracy Radio
[Translated summary: In almost every city of Cote d'Ivoire, youth, former militia members, or simple civilians possess firearms without a permit to carry firearms. Even though many amnesties were launched to tackle the traffic of illicit firearms, the problem persists.]
Dans la quasi-totalité des villes de Côte d'Ivoire de nombreux jeunes, ex-miliciens, combattants rebelles des ex-Forces nouvelles (FAFN), ou de simples civils détiennent des armes à feu sans... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: West Africa Democracy Radio
35705
Senegal
Senegal Government Suspends Licences to Carry Guns for Four Months
1 January 2012
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
DAKAR — Senegal's interior ministry has announced the suspension of all licences it awarded civilians that guaranteed them to legally carry arms ahead of polls in February.
A statement by the ministry on Friday night said the suspension takes immediate effect and will stay put for four months. The move is in the "best interest of civilians and will further intended to protect and guarantee peace and security in the country," the statement said.
It did not provide... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35700
Nigeria
Nigerian President Raises Alarm Over Small Arms Proliferation
9 December 2011
Vanguard (Lagos)
ABUJA - President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, expressed worry that the growing proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country was contributing to the present insecurity situation.
He tasked Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to do more in stemming the menace.
The President, however, commended NCS for the remarkable successes recorded in the seizures of all types of arms being smuggled through the borders. He urged them to continue to play their role in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
35650
Thailand,Colombia,Russia,United States,Uganda,Rwanda,South Africa,United Arab Emirates,Belgium,Sudan,Somalia,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,Angola,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Congo (DRC)
Stopping the Trade in Death, Gun Trafficking, Smuggling - Opinion
6 December 2011
New York Times, Opinion
On a dark November morning in 2004, I woke up in my bungalow overlooking Lake Kivu, tense with anticipation. Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations.
With the backing of U.N. peacekeeping forces and a U.N. Security Council mandate, we searched almost every incoming and outgoing aircraft that day. By evening, we had the evidence to link several aviation front... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
35632
Russia,Mozambique,Nigeria,India,Australia,East Africa,Eastern Europe,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Global: Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Dumps Increasing - IRIN / SAS
5 December 2011
IRIN (UN News)
JOHANNESBURG - The rate of accidents at munitions storage sites has risen to unprecedented levels in 2011, despite a growing international commitment to assist countries in managing their weapons and ammunition stockpiles.
"During the first ten months of 2011, the average number of explosions has increased to more than three per month - the highest rate recorded in a calendar year," said the Small Arms Survey (SAS), a Geneva-based NGO monitoring small arms and armed... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: IRIN (UN News)
35622
Nigeria
Police Bosses Arrested in Nigeria for Renting Guns, Ammunition to Robbers
1 December 2011
Vanguard (Lagos)
YOLA — Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three police officers, including an Assistant Superintendent, ASP, and two inspectors for allegedly renting arms and ammunition from the police armoury to robbers, as exclusively reported by Vanguard a fortnight ago.
They were alleged to have stolen different categories of arms and ammunition which they gave to robbers for certain amount of money for every operation they reportedly carried out.
At a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
35612
Nigeria
Police Officers Dismissed Over Gun Diversion, Illegal Sale in Nigeria
30 November 2011
Daily Trust (Abuja)
YOLA — Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police and two Inspectors were arrested in connection with illegal sale and distribution of arms and ammunition to criminals in the state.
The retired armourer, ASP Abuna Mainasara, Inspector Daniel Eliphas and Inspector Abubakar Hali would soon be charged to court for gun running. Already the two serving inspectors have been dismissed from the force.
Speaking to newsmen... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35598
North Africa,China,Ukraine,Chad,Mali,Niger,France,Europe,United States,Libya
Hundreds of Thousands of Libyan Assault Rifles Looking for New Owners?
15 November 2011
Time (USA)
More than three weeks after Libya's rebels killed Muammar Gaddafi, arms experts say the task of finding and securing the mountain of weaponry abandoned by Gaddafi's forces in their final rout has been complicated by a lack of international funding and coordination, as well as conflicting priorities among Western and African governments about which weapons pose the biggest threat.
While U.S. and European officials have sounded the alarm about the threat posted to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Time (USA)
35547
Algeria,France,Mauritania,Mali,Israel,Egypt,United States,West Africa,Niger,North Africa,Libya
Smuggled Libyan Arms Threaten to Destabilise Swath of African Continent
12 November 2011
Wall Street Journal
Weapons smuggled from Libya after the collapse of Moammar Gadhafi's government are flowing through the surrounding region, the president of the west African nation of Niger said Friday, a development that threatens to destabilize a swath of the continent already struggling against ethnic unrest and a regional branch of al Qaeda.
"Arms were stolen in Libya and are being disseminated all over the region," President Mahamadou Issoufou told reporters following a meeting... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Wall Street Journal
35536
Nigeria
Alleged Gun Dealer, Illegal Firearm Manufacturer Charged in Nigeria
10 November 2011
This Day (Lagos)
The Nigerian Police Command in Bauchi State has arrested one Gambo Mohammed and his collaborator, Alhassan Mohammed, for allegedly manufacturing of illegal firearms and ammunitions.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who disclosed this to newsmen in his office, yesterday, said the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) recovered from the suspects two firearms, ammunition fabricating apparatus, one oxygen gas cylinder, corrugated local implements for... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: This Day (Lagos)
35538
Burkina Faso
Proliferation of Small Arms in Burkina, New Actors Committed [Francais]
10 November 2011
Sidwaya (Burkina Faso)
[Translated summary: According to the National Commission for the Fight against Proliferation of Small Arms (CNLPAL), around 2 million small arms are circulating in Burkina Faso. Many of these small arms are home-made. During 2008, 248 small arms were seized, including 170 home-made, against 378 seized in 2009, including 249 home-made. In the first quarter of 2010, 140 small arms were seized, including 50 home-made.]
La Commission nationale de lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Sidwaya (Burkina Faso)
35525
Nigeria
Rate of Firearm Proliferation in Nigeria Calls for a Review of Firearms Act
3 November 2011
Daily Trust (Abuja)
The House of Representatives yesterday moved to stop the proliferation of firearms in Nigeria by considering a bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the Firearms Act Number 32, 1959.
The bill also seeks to prescribe more stringent and modern ways of firearms control.
Rep Umar Adam Katsayal (CPC, Katsina), who sponsored the bill, said the rate of fire arms proliferation in the country was alarming and poses serious threat to public peace.
He said the firearms Act... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35504
Nigeria
Nigeria Forces Search Borno Homes for Illicit Firearms after End of Amnesty
3 November 2011
Reuters
MAIDUGURI - Nigerian security forces have started door-to-door searches for weapons in northeast Borno state after an arms amnesty for Islamist militants expired on October 31, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
Colonel Mohammed Hassan, spokesman for the Joint Military Taskforce in Borno, said the measure was aimed at curbing violence in the state, which is suffering almost daily gun attacks and frequent bombings by the militant group Boko Haram.
"We have commenced... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Reuters
35503
Ghana
Peace Building NGO Calls on Ghana Police to Address Crime Structural Causes
3 November 2011
Ghana News Agency
The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), a peace building NGO, has called on the Ghana Police Service to devote more time and energy at addressing the structural causes of crime to ensure that the country becomes peaceful through reduction in crime.
It says the current efforts by the Police by way of dawn swoops in an attempt to weed out criminals from their hideouts were though commendable, such swoops were equally security threats having the high potential... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
35502
Ghana
Blacksmiths Resolve to End Illicit Gun Manufacturing in Tamale, Ghana
3 November 2011
Ghana News Agency
A group of Blacksmith in Tamale on Tuesday resolved to put an end to the illicit manufacturing and fixing of arms as their quota towards ensuring peace in the area.
They also pledged to report any person or group of persons who is found manufacturing illicit arms since it has negative repercussions on the socio-economic development of the country.
The group made the resolution at a sensitisation forum organised by the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms (GNACSA)... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
35498
India,Afghanistan,Iraq,Sierra Leone,South Africa,Saudi Arabia,United States,United Kingdom,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
'The Shadow World', an Incisive Exposé of the ArmsTrade - Book Review
1 November 2011
Telegraph (UK), Book review
If there is one book unlikely to appear on the Christmas reading lists of the former defence secretary Liam Fox and his self-professed adviser Adam Werritty, one suspects that this is it. The sorry case of Dr Fox and the mystery chum-cum-lobbyist amplifies what critics of the defence procurement industry – Feinstein prefers the racier "global arms trade" – have long argued. To put it mildly, and in a nutshell, it is not known for its transparency. Nor, for that... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Telegraph (UK)
35511
West Africa,Africa,Nigeria
Nigeria Urges International Community to Tackle Proliferation of Illicit Arms
27 October 2011
Africa Report (Jeune Afrique)
Lawrence Olefumi Obisakin, a senior director in Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told a United Nations General Assembly committee responsible for disarmament and international security that it was time the international community tackled the proliferation of illicit arms.
"We expect no less of a treaty which provides the legal basis for international trade in conventional weapons," he said.
"The government of Nigeria is deeply concerned at the magnitude of human... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Africa Report (Jeune Afrique)
35479
Liberia
Ban on Ownership, Use of Firearms, Ammunition Extended in Liberia
26 October 2011
Heritage (Monrovia)
An Executive Order, reinstituting a total ban on the ownership and use of firearms and ammunitions in Liberia, has been extended. Executive Order No. 34 bans the possession, use, sale or manufacture of firearms, which include all arms of precision such as flintlock guns with unrifled barrels and shotguns. The ban excludes single-barrel guns used solely for hunting, which must, however, be registered with the Ministry of Justice through the Office of the Superintendent... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Heritage (Monrovia)
35469
Niger,Mauritania,Mali,Libya,Algeria,United States
US, Algeria to Cooperate in Fight Against Libyan Arms Trafficking [Francais]
24 October 2011
Le Nouvel Observateur (France) / AP
[Translated summary: The United States wants to strengthen cooperation with Algeria in the fight against small arms trafficking from neighboring Libya. Sahel countries - Algeria, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger - are concerned about the movement of illicit small arms from Libya.]
ALGER — Les Etats-Unis souhaitent renforcer la coopération avec l'Algérie pour lutter contre le trafic d'armes en provenance de la Libye voisine, a déclaré lundi le secrétaire d'Etat... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Le Nouvel Observateur (France) / AP
35452
Sao Tome & Principe,Rwanda,Gabon,Equatorial Guinea,Congo (ROC),Congo (DRC),Chad,Central African Republic,Cameroon,Burundi,Angola,Central Africa,Austria
Regional Efforts to Combat Illicit Arms in Central Africa: Kinshasa Convention - UN
21 October 2011
African Press Organization (APO), Media release
NEW YORK -- The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations will organize tomorrow a special event entitled "Enhancing Small Arms Control In Central Africa — The Kinshasa Convention" at the Permanent Mission of Austria. This event will promote this new sub-regional instrument to control and fight the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Central Africa.
In September 2011, all eleven... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: African Press Organization (APO)
35443
Nigeria
After Spate of Killings, Nigeria Urges Borno Residents to Surrender Guns
18 October 2011
Daily Trust (Abuja)
MAIDUGURI — Worried by the spate of killings in various parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, the Joint Task Force (JTF) yesterday asked residents to either surrender their arms or face the wrath of the law.
It said all arms acquired illegally must be returned on or before October 31, 2011.
In a statement by its head of field operations, Colonel Victor Ebhaleme, the JTF said some people had illegally acquired firearms and stockpiled them in their... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Trust (Abuja)
35433
Côte d'Ivoire
Amnesty in Daloa, Ivory Coast: 31 Small Arms Collected [Francais]
14 October 2011
Abidjan Net (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated summary: The Ivory Coast Commission for the Fight Against the Proliferation and Illicit Circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons has launched a disarmament campaign in Daloa. So far, 31 arms (including weapons of war, submachine guns, AK-47, and hand-made rifles) and 639 ammunition were collected.]
La Commission nationale de lutte contre la prolifération et la circulation illicite des armes légères et de petits calibres en Côte d'Ivoire (ComNat-CI)... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Abidjan Net (Côte d'Ivoire)
35411
Libya,Mali
The Return of Ex-Combatants from Libya to Mali Worries [Francais]
12 October 2011
Radio France Internationale (Afrique)
[Translated summary: The return of Malian ex-combatants, from Libya to Mali, worries. They come back with an important military arsenal and these weapons will easily find takers in Sahel.]
Dans le nord du Mali, plusieurs dizaines d'ex-combattants libyens d'origine malienne sont attendus d'ici quelques jours. Il s'agit de membres de l'armée libyenne pro-Kadhafi, qui ont été défaits et qui cherchent aujourd'hui à retourner dans leur pays d'origine. Mais alors que... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio France Internationale (Afrique)
35412
Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,West Africa,Sierra Leone
Amnesty for Firearms in Sierra Leone Is Not Only for Elections
19 September 2011
Awareness Times (Sierra Leone), Editorial
Sierra Leone has slowly crawled away from the 'Blood Diamond' stigma of yester years. The recent government announcement to grant amnesty to owners of firearms is indicative of the giant leap Sierra Leone has taken today to become a major player in world politics.
The Awareness Times newspaper is unhesitatingly giving immense credit to the leadership genius of President Ernest Koroma and other internal and external stakeholders for their efforts to stabilise Mama... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Awareness Times (Sierra Leone)
35297
Nigeria,Bahrain,Saudi Arabia,United Kingdom
UN Estimate: 1 to 3 Million Automatic Guns in Civilian Hands in Nigeria
17 September 2011
Next (Nigeria), Opinion
Arms manufacturers and dealers are delighted when a new conflict breaks out.
Desert Storm was a fantastic business opportunity for arms manufacturers. Every round shot through the barrel of a gun was another "ching-ching" in the cash register.
They are not the only ones that benefit through conflict. The likes of Halliburton rejoice with every airstrike and artillery shell that destroys a building or some part of national infrastructure in a foreign country. Every bit... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Next (Nigeria)
35300
Ukraine,North Africa,Niger,Algeria,Mali,France,United Kingdom,United States,Libya
Libya Warned Smugglers Are Looting Gaddafi's Guns
2 September 2011
Guardian (UK)
Libya must urgently secure weapons hoarded by the Gaddafi regime amid growing fears that smugglers are exploiting the chaos there to loot hundreds of portable missiles and other small arms, western officials have warned.
The US and Nato are pressing the National Transitional Council to make the issue a priority because of concerns that the trade has already begun, with reports that some African mercenaries who fought for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi are returning home laden... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Guardian (UK)
35237
Côte d'Ivoire
Amnesty in Côte D'ivoire, 2,500 Arms Should Be Surrendered [Francais]
11 August 2011
Abidjan.net (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated summary: A big step forward in the process of disarmament and peace for Côte d'Ivoire. An amnesty organised by the ex-Front de Sécurité du Centre-Ouest (FSCO, Center-West Security Front) should take place next Saturday in Lakota. Some 2,500 weapons should be surrendered.]
Ce samedi 13 août, la ville de Lakota marquera un grand coup dans le processus de désarmement et de pacification de la Côte d'Ivoire. Ainsi en ont décidé les responsables de l'ex... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Abidjan.net (Côte d'Ivoire)
35177
Ghana
Ghana's Border Agents Urged To Be Vigilant To Stem Gun Smuggling
9 August 2011
Ghana News Agency
ELMINA - The National Commission on Small Arms (NCSA) had urged security personnel at Ghana's borders to be vigilant and help stem the proliferation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons into the country.
Mr Jones Applerh, Acting Executive Secretary of the NCSA, who made the call, described as worrying the fact that some 66 percent of illicit arms that found their way into Ghana were trafficked along its borders and urged the Commission and its partners... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
35174
Africa,Nigeria
Nigeria Gun Amnesty Programme 2 Years Later: A 'Huge Success'
4 August 2011
Daily Champion (Lagos)
When former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua approved the implementation of the Niger Delta Amnesty programme two years ago, he, most likely, would not have imagined that it would become the huge success that it presently has become.
At the time he made the historic move, the Niger Delta region was, literally, a war zone. Militant youths, armed with sophisticated weapons controlled different parts of the states of the region, killing, maiming or kidnapping people,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Champion (Lagos)
35159
Sri Lanka,Sudan,Malawi,Zambia,Mozambique,Macedonia,Liberia,Sierra Leone,West Africa,Africa,South Africa
Africa: Analysis: How Best to Remove Guns from Post-conflict Zones?
28 July 2011
IRIN (UN News)
JOHANNESBURG - Cash for guns or buy-back programmes in post-conflict states have fallen out of favour as a method of ridding a society of weapons, and have been replaced by often elaborate schemes designed to remove money from the equation, but the debate continues as to the best way forward.
The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) community has grappled for years with buy-back practices and acknowledges they can have a profound effect on the nature of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: IRIN (UN News)
35133
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Launched 5-yr Plan to Regulate Sale and Use of Small Arms
25 July 2011
News24 (Cape Town) / AFP
Freetown - Sierra Leone has launched a five-year plan to regulate the sale and use of small arms, which still abound a decade after the end of a civil war, causing insecurity, an official said on Monday.
"The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons account for 90% of the economic uncertainty" in the country, the head of Sierra Leone's Small Arms Commission (SAC), retired Brigadier Leslie Lymon, said.
He told AFP that a five year national action plan... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: News24 (Cape Town) / AFP
35115
Sierra Leone
Small Arms Eradication Targeted for Action in Sierra Leone
21 July 2011
Cocorioko.net (Sierre Leone)
A Five Year National Action Plan on Small Arms was today presented at a State House ceremony attended by President Ernest Bai Koroma, Vice President Sam Sumana, Ministers and Development Partners . The Plan covering the period 2011-2015 is the Working Document of the Small Arms Commission which provides a framework detailing interventions, strategies and activities to be undertaken in regulating the manufacture, sale and use of Small Arms and Light weapons (SALW) in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Cocorioko.net (Sierre Leone)
35094
Senegal
Arming Village Chiefs in Senegal Would Fuel Conflict in South [Francais]
21 July 2011
Walf Fadjri (Senegal)
[Translated summary: The Movement Against Small Arms in West Africa (MALAO) was scandalised after the head of State expressed his wish to arm village chiefs. For MALAO, this is dangerous especially for a region like the Casamance where the proliferation of small arms sustains the conflict.]
Scandalisé, le mouvement contre les armes légères en Afrique de l'ouest l'est après la volonté exprimée par le chef de l'Etat d'armer les chefs de village. Pour le Malao,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Walf Fadjri (Senegal)
35090
Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana
Arms Commission Urges NGOs to Report Gun Smuggling into Ghana
20 July 2011
Modern Ghana / Ghana News Agency
Accra – The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms, on Wednesday asked all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations with information on smuggling of arms into the country to report to the security agencies.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Seth Ohene-Asare, Chairman of the Commission, said it had noted a statement by the West African Network for Peace building (WANEP-Ghana) on arms from Cote d'Ivoire being smuggled into Ghana.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Modern Ghana / Ghana News Agency
35087
Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana
Report on Ivory Coast Gun Smuggling is 'Alarmist', Says Ghana Minister
19 July 2011
GhanaWeb.com (Ghana)
The Deputy Minister for Interior, Kobby Acheampong has described as alarmist a report by the West African Network for Peace building (WANEP) that there is growing influx of small arms and light weapons into the country from Cote D'Ivoire.
According to him, the country has been on high alert since the political crisis broke out in Ivory Coast.
"I think that it is an alarmist sentiment being raised. Since the Ivory Coast crisis broke out, government has taken all the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: GhanaWeb.com (Ghana)
35082
Liberia
'Gun Possession Restriction Does More Harm Than Good to Liberians'
19 July 2011
The Analyst (Liberia)
The Liberian government and its international security partners launched the Security Sector Reform (SSR) project, undoubtedly, to preempt the domino effects the short-circuited UN-mandated Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration Programme (DDRRP) would have on Liberia. The project produced robust police and army units, all right; but one effect of the failed DDRR programme that would not go away is armed robbery. There is a number of conspiracy... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: The Analyst (Liberia)
35080
Guinea,Nigeria
West African Police Chiefs Agreed to Focus on Small Arms Trafficking
19 July 2011
Nigerian Observer
ABUJA - The West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) is to conduct joint security operations for safer and more secure sub-region, according to a statement by the Commission.
The statement, made available to newsmen in Abuja stated that it was part of commitments made at the just-concluded meeting of the technical sub-committees of WAPCCO in Conakry, Guinea.
The chiefs agreed to focus on trafficking in small arms and light weapons as a priority for the first... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nigerian Observer
35079
Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana
Ivory Coast Small Arms Smuggled into Ghana
18 July 2011
VibeGhana.com (Ghana)
The West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP)- Ghana says its intelligence gathering reports indicate weapons that were used during the Cote d'Ivoire political crisis have been smuggled into Ghana.
The organization says it fears that such weapons, which have been illegally acquired, could be used during the 2012 general elections to cause mayhem in Ghana.
It is against this backdrop, that the West Africa Network for Peace building has appealed to the security... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: VibeGhana.com (Ghana)
35076
Côte d'Ivoire
Côte D'ivoire: UN to Collect Surrendered Small Arms in Abidjan
14 July 2011
US News & World Report
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire will on Friday start collecting small arms handed in voluntarily by militiamen in the Yopougon suburb of the West African country's commercial capital, Abidjan, it was announced today.
The exercise will be carried out by the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Division of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in partnership with the National Commission of Light Weapons, the National... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: US News & World Report
35061
European Union,Bulgaria,Russia,West Africa,Pakistan,France,Australia,United Kingdom,Canada,Germany,Italy,United States,Haiti,Côte d'Ivoire,Madagascar
Study Finds Small Arms Have Serious Impact on Fragile States
6 July 2011
Voice of America
A new study finds the global authorized trade in small arms, light weapons, and their ammunition is worth nearly $7.1 billion a year. In its annual report, the independent think tank, the Geneva Forum, also examines the serious impact small arms proliferation is having upon three so-called fragile states-Madagascar, Ivory Coast and Haiti.
Arms exporters
The survey finds in 2008, the United States, Italy and Germany topped the list of 14 top exporters of small arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Voice of America
35022
Ghana,Nigeria,Côte d'Ivoire,Libya,West Africa
West Africa Faces Spiral of Gun Running, Mercenaries and Armed Violence
3 July 2011
Daily Sun (Nigeria), Editorial
The alert by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on trafficking in arms and mercenaries in the sub region deserves urgent attention.
This is more so as it has been reported that the increasing shootings and bombings in the Northern part of the country have cross border influences. The ECOWAS intelligence report revealed that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa is the fallout of the ongoing crisis in Libya and the recent... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Sun (Nigeria)
35008
Togo,West Africa
West African States Agree on Gun Law Harmonization Guide [Francais]
24 June 2011
Republic of Togo, Media release
[Translated summary: Government experts from ECOWAS Member countries came to an agreement last Thursday on the "Harmonization Guide of National Legislations on Small Arms and Light Weapons in West Africa" (SALW)].
Les Experts gouvernementaux des pays membres de la Cédéao sont parvenus jeudi à Lomé à se mettre d'accord sur un «Guide d'harmonisation des législations nationales sur les armes légères et de petit calibre en Afrique de l'Ouest (ALPC) ».
La... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Republic of Togo
34986
Liberia,Côte d'Ivoire
Liberian Police Found a Huge Cache of Arms in Region Bordering Ivory Coast
16 June 2011
Washington Post / AP
MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia's national police said Thursday it had unearthed a huge cache of arms in a region of the country straddling the border with neighboring Ivory Coast.
The area in Grand Gedeh County where the arms were found is one of the places where mercenaries and militias employed by Ivory Coast's deposed ruler fled after he was toppled on April 11.
A police statement said authorities had uncovered 1,439 AK-47 rounds, over 70 AK-47 magazines, 67 AK-47... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Post / AP
34970
Nigeria
Nigeria Police Parade 48 Suspected Armed Robbers, Seize 10 AK-47s
16 June 2011
Vanguard (Lagos)
BENIN — The Edo State Security Service, SSS, and the State Police Command, Tuesday, paraded 48 suspected armed robbers and kidnappers, recovering N7.7million and cache of ammunitions with them.
Among the suspected kidnappers paraded were persons alleged to be involved in the abduction of the father-in-law to the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Chief Felix Okungbowa. Also, some of the arrested armed robbers included the gang that carted away N7.7million after they... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
34957
Côte d'Ivoire
Amnesty Offered, No Prosecution for Illegal Guns in Cote d'Ivoire [Francais]
15 June 2011
Agence Ivoirienne de Presse (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated summary: Following the post-electoral crisis in Cote d'Ivoire, authorities called the owners of illegal firearms to surrender them without delay. They ensured that there will be no prosecution against those who do.]
BOUAFLE - Le préfet de la région de la Marahoué et du département de Bouaflé, Alliali Kouadio a appelé dimanche les détenteurs illicites d'armes à feu à les déposer sans délai, auprès des chefs de village, des religieux ou à la... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Agence Ivoirienne de Presse (Côte d'Ivoire)
34941
Mali
Bloody Shootout Between Rival Groups on a Campus in Mali [Francais]
6 June 2011
Le Républicain (Mali)
[Translated Summary: On 3 June the campus of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FAST) saw a bloody clash between two rival student groups fighting over the management of University dormitories. Machetes, axes and guns resulted in 'many' injuries].
Usage d'armes à feu et d'armes blanches
8 blessés graves
Le campus universitaire de la Faculté des sciences et techniques (Fast) a été, le 3 juin 2011, le théâtre d'un affrontement sanglant entre deux groupes... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Le Républicain (Mali)
34901
Nigeria
70 Armed Men Attack Police Station and Bank in Nigeria: 8 Deaths
28 May 2011
Le Figaro (France) / AFP
Des hommes armés soupçonnés d'appartenir à un groupe islamiste radical ont attaqué hier une caserne de la police, un commissariat et une banque dans le nord du Nigeria, faisant huit morts a annoncé la police durant la nuit de vendredi à samedi.
Le chef de la police de l'Etat de Borno, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, a indiqué à l'AFP que l'attaque s'est déroulée dans la ville de Damboa, à environ 100 km au sud de Maiduguri, la capitale de l'Etat.
"Ils ont... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Le Figaro (France) / AFP
34881
Côte d'Ivoire,Togo
Togo President Asks Ivorian Refugees to Surrender all Firearms [Francais]
27 May 2011
Republic of Togo, Media release
[Translated summary: The president, of the National Commission to Combat the Proliferation, Illicit Circulation of and Traffic in Small Arms and Light Weapons, has invited Ivorian refugees, present in Togo, to surrender all firearms in their possession.]
Le colonel Ali Nadjombé, président de la Commission nationale de lutte contre la prolifération des armes légères, a invité jeudi les réfugiés ivoiriens présents au Togo à remettre toutes les armes qui... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Republic of Togo
34915
Nigeria
Court Hears 13 Containers of Guns Were Illegally Imported to Nigeria
18 February 2011
Nation (Lagos)
One of the two men being tried over last year's importation of 13 containers loaded with firearms, Ali Abbas Usman Jega, was arrested with a gun 23 years ago, a Federal High Court in Lagos heard yesterday.
At the resumption of the trial yesterday, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Olufunmilayo Fatunde, tendered a document - a statement dated October 27 last year, containing details of how Jega was arrested, by the police, as a teenager with a locally made gun.
Jega, a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Lagos)
34425
Mali
Mali: Former Tuareg Rebels Threaten to Take up Arms
9 February 2011
El Watan
Mali: Les anciens rebelles touareg menacent de reprendre les armes
Les anciens rebelles touareg du Nord-Mali, à leur tête Brahim Ag Bahanga, menacent Bamako de reprendre les armes dans les prochaines semaines l Ils exigent une prise en charge rapide des engagements pris en novembre 2010 et mettent en garde contre la dégradation de la situation dans les régions de Gao, Kidal et Tombouctou.
Mais depuis plusieurs mois, l'association locale récupère, en échange de... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: El Watan
35003
Mali
Mali Destroys Hundreds of Weapons
8 February 2011
Agence France Presse
Kidal - Hundreds of weapons collected from people and former Tuareg rebels were burned in northern Mali on Tuesday in a bid to do away with small arms which still abound after an insurgency in the 1990's.
Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure, who lit the fire, said the destruction allowed "a new step towards peace" in the west African country.
"We will make every effort to ensure that the operation against the proliferation of small arms continues," he said,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Agence France Presse
35002
Sri Lanka,Zimbabwe,Côte d'Ivoire
Is Zimbabwe Illegally Supplying Guns, Ammunition to Côte d'Ivoire?
31 January 2011
Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
On 23 January, the Sunday Times in the UK reported that in the dying days of 2010 the Zimbabwe government clandestinely transferred arms to incument President Laurent Gbagbo's administration in the Ivory Coast.
The arms consignment allegedly comprised small arms, mortars and ammunition, which was mainly of Chinese origin. The transfer was facilitated by the state-owned Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI), and was supposedly dispatched with the blessing of Zimbabwean... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
34393
Nigeria
Nigeria Disbands Illegal Gun Trafficking Task Force, Aims to Arrest Staff
25 January 2011
Nation (Nigeria)
The Federal Government has disbanded the National Task Force on illegal importation of goods, small arms, ammunition and light weapons.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Legal Director, Federal Ministry of Finance, Bukhari Bello, on behalf of the Finance Minister, Mr Olusegun Aganga.
The directives followed the Ministry's discovery that there is no law backing the task force.
The task force, according to the statement, has no fixed address and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Nigeria)
34392
United States,Nigeria
Maryland Man Gets 3 Years for Smuggling US Shotguns, Ammo to Nigeria
3 January 2011
Associated Press
GREENBELT — A federal judge has sentenced a Laurel man to more than three years in prison for shipping guns and ammunition to Nigeria.
Fifty-year-old Emenike Nwankwoala, a former state probation officer, was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt.
Prosecutors say Nwankwoala told an undercover agent from Immigration and Customs Enforcement that he had been buying shotguns and shipping them to Nigeria for the past decade, turning a large profit.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33949
Ghana
Parents Leave Loaded Gun: Son, 4, Shoots, Kills 7 yr-old Sister in Ghana
29 December 2010
Daily Mail (Accra)
Sefwi Magajia Camp, a small community in the Sefwi-Wiawso District in the Western Region, was thrown into a state of mourning on Christmas eve when a four-year-old boy used his father's shot-gun to shoot and kill his elder sister.
Eric Adukpo, 31, father of the two minors, who is yet to come to terms with the death of his daughter, Mariama Adukpo, seven, has been arrested by the police for negligence and exposing the children to harm.
The incident occurred when the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Mail (Accra)
33922
Ghana
80,000 Illegal Guns Estimated in Ghana, Most of Them Home Made
9 December 2010
Ghana News Agency
ACCRA - Mrs Trudy Kernighan, Canadian High Commissioner, on Thursday said it was important for Ghana to raise public awareness and inform the citizens about the effects of the misuse of small arms to enhance stability and security.
She said the misuse of small arms fuelled conflicts contributed to violent crimes and hampered humanitarian assistance, peace building and sustainable development.
Mrs Kernighan said this at the launch of a five-year strategic plan to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
33826
Côte d'Ivoire,United States
US Gun Dealer, Ivory Coast Colonel Charged in $4 Million Gun Smuggling
10 October 2010
Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — The Ivory Coast army colonel arrived in New York on Aug. 29, and authorities say he planned to return home days later with $4 million in guns and ammunition his country purchased from a suburban Washington D.C. broker.
Instead, Col. Nguessan Yao is being held in federal custody in a Northern California jail and the broker is scheduled to appear in court next week to answer charges that the two conspired to illegally circumvent a worldwide arms embargo... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33443
Ghana
1,500 Locally Made Guns Destroyed in Latest Ghana Disarmament Push
2 October 2010
Ghana News Agency
The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms on Friday destroyed 1,500 pieces of locally produced fire arms seized from people who possessed them illegally in various parts of the country.
The seizure was as a result of a six-week joint exercise organised by the commission and the security agencies as part of efforts to rid the country of illicit firearms and ammunition.
This brings to 3,387 the number of illicit small arms destroyed by the commission in the country... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Ghana News Agency
33457
Côte d'Ivoire,United States
Gang Aimed to Smuggle $3.8 Million in Weapons from US to Ivory Coast
13 September 2010
Washington Times
Federal agents have foiled a plot to export $3.8 million worth of small arms — including thousands of handguns and tens of thousands of tear gas grenades — to the Ivory Coast in violation of a U.N. arms embargo and U.S. law.
Undercover officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Ivorian national Nguessan Yao, 55, in New York last week on a charge of conspiracy. Mr. Yao was being transferred to Northern California to face trial, ICE said in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Washington Times
33343
West Africa
West African States Now Need Regional Permission Before Importing Guns
19 August 2010
Daily Graphic (Accra)
Importation of weapons by member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) now needs the approval of the ECOWAS Commission.
The move is to ensure transparency and ensure that each state is aware of the arms brought into the sub-region and the purpose for which they are procured.
The acting Chairman of the Ghana National Commission on Small Arms (GNACSA), Mr Baffuor Dokyi Amoah, stated this when some members of the commission called on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Graphic (Accra)
33209
United Nations,Nigeria
UN Urged to Take Decisive Action, Curb Gun Trafficking in Nigeria, Africa
12 August 2010
Vanguard (Lagos)
OWERRI, Nigeria — The President of Youths Enhancement Organization,(YEO), Ambassador Obinna Egbuka, has appealed to the United Nations to take decisive action to end what he termed "the irresponsible trade in conventional weapons across the globe".
Obinna, who spoke in Owerri, ahead of this year's World Youths Day, said the appeal became expedient now as Nigeria grapples with increasing cases of kidnapping and armed robbery.
He argued "that trade in conventional... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
33171
Nigeria
Police Take Guns Home, Then Thieves Steal Them for Nigerian Criminals
5 August 2010
Vanguard (Lagos)
JOS — The Plateau State Police Command has arrested 11 persons for allegedly specializing in stealing police service rifles and selling them. The principal suspect, Nanfir Nanfa allegedly broke into the homes of a sergeant and a constable to steal two AK 47 rifles and sold them.
Parading the suspects on Wednesday, state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba said the gun stealing syndicate was smashed through intelligence reports while another four-man gang of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Vanguard (Lagos)
33159
Nigeria
Senator Alarmed at Proliferation of Guns in Nigerian State Election Race
26 July 2010
Nigerian Tribune (Ibadan)
Former Benue State and Senator of the Federal Republic, George Akume, has raised the alarm over proliferation of small arms in the state in a build-up to the 2011 general election.
Akume stated this when he received in audience members of Benue Youth Forum, Abuja branch, led by its president, Mr. Yakubu Sule, and secretary, Mr Justine Tyopine, at his residence in Abuja to register their objection on the suspension of the former governor from the Peoples Democratic... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nigerian Tribune (Ibadan)
33145
Nigeria
Nigerian Soldiers Capture Alleged Illegal Gun Dealers with 1,283 Firearms
5 July 2010
Leadership (Nigeria)
KADUNA — The men of the 82nd Division of Nigerian Army in Enugu has arrested illegal arms dealers and found in their possession 1,283 firearms along ammunitions in large quantity in Aba, Abia State.
The General Officer Commanding of the Division, Major General Mohammed Isah, stated in an interview with the BBC Hausa on Thursday night.
The GOC said they have no license to carry out such dealings and they were suspected of supplying arms to suspected armed robbers and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Leadership (Nigeria)
32958
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