Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Burundi,Tanzania,Rwanda,East Africa,Uganda,Kenya
Lack of Arms Trade Treaty Puts East Africa at Centre of Gun Trafficking
8 May 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
A total of 300,000 small arms and light weapons have been smuggled into Uganda and other East African community countries for the last 10 years.
This is as revealed by the executive secretary East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA), Richard Mugisha has revealed.
Mugisha said the importation of illegal small arms was high in East Africa due to the existing arms embargoes which are too easy to break or ignore by different countries.
"How can the sale of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
36110
Kenya
Kenya Major Transit Point for Arms Trafficking in East Africa
25 April 2012
Star (Kenya)
Kenya is a major transit point for illegal weapons destined to war torn countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the East Africa Legislative Assembly has said. EALA speaker Abdirahin Abdi said this is due to Kenya's strategic position through its port of Mombasa and other long porous borders with her neighbours.
Abdi was speaking in Mombasa when he officially opened a two day sensitisation forum on the need to support Small Arms And Light Weapons for parliamentary security,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Star (Kenya)
36077
East Africa
East African Community Passes Bill to Reduce Small Arms Trafficking
21 April 2012
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
A trade bill passed by the East African Community (EAC) Parliament to reduce the proliferation of small arms, narcotic drugs and other illegal goods could result in an improved economic climate for the region.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) last Thursday passed the East African Community Customs Management (Amendment) Bill, 2012, a modification of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004.
The Bill anchors into law the need for regulatory... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
36058
Somalia,Germany
Private Guards with Semi-automatic Guns to Defend German Ships from Pirates
13 April 2012
Spiegel (Germany)
Using private security firms to protect ships from Somali pirates has long been a legal gray area in Germany. Conceding that it doesn't have enough soldiers to do the job, the German government is considering a draft law allowing shipowners to deploy private armed guards. But there's one caveat: Security personnel would be limited to using semi-automatic firearms.
Shipping companies and Western governments have been struggling with the problem of piracy off the Horn of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Spiegel (Germany)
36036
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
Uganda
Uganda Soldiers, Officers Found Selling Guns to Be Subject to Firing Squad
11 April 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Any UPDF soldier or officer found selling firearms or ammunitions to criminals will be subjected to firing squad in full public view, a General in the army warned on Tuesday.
Speaking at a pipping ceremony of recently propmoted officers, a visibly riled Brig. Hussein Adda, the camp commandant Bombo said the firing squad which is provided for under the UPDF Act is better as compared to incarcerating the culprits in Luzira "because imprisoning will not solve the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
36011
Uganda
Uganda Government Asked to Expedite the Process of Small Arms Collection
8 April 2012
Uganda Pulse
Gulu Resident District Commissioner Chrissy Owori Odoi has called on government to expedite the process of collecting small arms which are still in circulation among people in Uganda.
Owori says small arms still pose a big threat to this country and may retard development if it is look at carefully.
Owori says the current peace which the northern region has achieved still stands in threat if small arms are in abundance on the wrong hands.
Speaking during a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Uganda Pulse
36005
East Africa,Ethiopia,Kenya
Kenya, Ethiopia Turn to Trade to Curb Cross Border Gun Running
7 April 2012
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya and Ethiopia are opening up their volatile border to more trade as they seek to improve community relations, ease inter-ethnic tensions to reduce demand for small arms and disrupt one of the main routes of illicit small arms coming into East Africa.
Illicit small arms trade in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region has been one of the main drivers of crime across East Africa and has sustained organised criminal networks like cattle rustlers and urban... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: East African (Nairobi)
36003
Uganda
Ugandan Army Soldiers Sell AK-47 Bullets to Gangsters in Local Pubs
7 April 2012
Daily Monitor (Kampala)
'In Summary
'Mine was an easy purchase'
It was a Sunday when I called on an old friend at Makindye. We settled at a pub on Salama Road. Here, we found a lively group of five men chatting over bottles of beer. They conducted their conversation in Luganda and Swahili, and owing to the kind of calls they consistently made, it was clear there was something cooking.
We took up seats close to their table and could clearly eavesdrop on their conversation. One of the men... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Monitor (Kampala)
36002
Europe,East Africa,Ireland,Palestine,Africa,West Asia,North Africa,Syria,Libya,Belgium
Special Report on Belgian Arms Exports in Middle East and North Africa - Blog
5 April 2012
New York Times, Blog
The uprisings in Libya and Syria have cast the Belgian small arms industry as a case study of the difficult balances within a Western arms-manufacturing community that seeks exports to preserve revenue and local jobs, but risks compromising European policies and human rights values.
Belgium is one of Europe's busiest exporters of small arms and light weapons. As late as 2010, the last year for which publicly released data is available, 32 percent of the small-arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
35992
Kenya
Guns, Domestic Shootings Factor in Kenya's 1,756 Violent Deaths
4 April 2012
Nation (Kenya)
Some 1,756 people were killed last year by violent and armed criminals, a new police report shows.
The report, which records an increase in serious crimes like murder and violent robbery, cites the rise of criminal gangs and availability of guns on the black market as the reasons.
It shows a seven per cent surge in incidents reported to police compared to 2010.
Police, however, note that a "significant" number of victims were not killed by gangsters but died at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nation (Kenya)
35997
Zimbabwe
Man Shoots Dead His Brother with Licenced Gun in Tafara, Zimbabwe
3 April 2012
Herald (Zimbabwe)
Police yesterday confirmed the arrest of Tendai Mungororo of Tafara on charges of fatally shooting his brother Tichafunga in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police spokesperson Inspector James Sabau said Tendai Mungororo was facing murder charges and was being held in police cells as investigations continue.
"I can also confirm that the firearm Mungororo used in the murder of his brother was licensed for the purposes of cash-in-transit.
"We are also getting reports... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Herald (Zimbabwe)
35980
Southern Africa,Malawi,Mozambique,Zambia,Zimbabwe
Interpol Blames Porous Borders for Gun Trafficking, Crimes in Southern Africa
28 March 2012
Newsday (Zimbabwe)
VICTORIA FALLS — The reluctance by regional countries to implement strict rules and guidelines of the Sadc protocol on firearms is hampering efforts to end the proliferation of small arms used in violent crimes.
This was revealed by the head of the Interpol Regional Bureau for Sadc, Chilika Simfukwe, yesterday on the sidelines of a workshop on the fight against the proliferation of small arms in the region.
"Almost all borders in the Sadc region are porous in this... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Newsday (Zimbabwe)
35959
Uganda
Uganda Govt Marks Police, Army, Civilians Firearms to Reduce Crime
27 March 2012
Observer (Kampala)
As part of this year's mission to create a pro-people justice system, the Justice Law and Order Sector, based at the ministry of Internal Affairs, last week labeled guns before the general public at the Railway grounds.
Anthony Nahaima, legal officer for the National Focal Point on Arms and Light Weapons — the department that handles the gun labeling process — says to date, they have labeled 80 percent of police guns and 50 percent of the army's. The labeling... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Observer (Kampala)
35958
Uganda,Kenya
Kenya Govt Launches an Amnesty for Those in Possession of Illegal Firearms
23 March 2012
Star (Kenya)
The government has given those in possession of illegal firearms in Western province a one month amnesty to return the guns. Speaking during a two day workshop on awareness rising on the dangers of illicit small arms and light weapons in a Bungoma hotel, the Kenya National Focal Point director David Kimaiyo said the criminals have been terrosing residents of Bungoma North, Kimilili and parts of Webuye. The workshop was also attended by Upper Western regional... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Star (Kenya)
35945
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
Kenya,Uganda
Suspected Belgian Killers Involved in Illegal Gun Trade in Uganda and Kenya
22 March 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
Four men including a police officer who allegedly murdered a Belgian tourist in Mount Elgon National Park in Kapchorwa district in 2008 were allegedly involved in an illegal firearms trade, a Police commissioner has told court.
Christopher Kwerit, a commissioner in charge of political education in the Police force produced charge and caution statements before the court martial on Tuesday in which the suspects allegedly confessed that they were involved in arms trade in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
35941
Pakistan,Iran,Egypt,Russia,United States,Somalia,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
A 'Bulletproof' Arms Trade Treaty Could Slow the Global Flow of Guns
8 March 2012
MediaGlobal News (New York)
Every day, according to Amnesty International, thousands of people are killed, injured, raped, and forced to flee from their homes as a result of armed conflict, armed violence, and human rights violations and abuses perpetrated using conventional arms.
As violence continues unchecked around the world, a coalition of humanitarian and health organizations is rallying support for a "bulletproof" global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), to be discussed in July, that would stymie... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: MediaGlobal News (New York)
35894
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
Nepal,Myanmar,Sri Lanka,Bangladesh,Mauritius,Libya,Morocco,Saudi Arabia,Iran,Turkey,Thailand,Indonesia,Malaysia,France,China,United States,Pakistan
Pakistan Has Achieved Self Sufficiency in Small Arms and Ammunition
5 March 2012
Indian Defence Review
After partition, Pakistan did not inherit any military production facilities. In 1951, the Pakistan Ordnance Factory was established at Wah cantonment to produce small arms, ammunition and explosives. After 1965, Pakistan, apart from shifting its overwhelming arms supplies reliance from the US to China and other western countries like France; also began to concentrate on expanding its defence production facilities. In this, it received effusive assistance from... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Indian Defence Review
35895
Rwanda,East Africa
East African Regional Cooperation Key to Fight Against Illicit Arms
3 March 2012
New Times (Rwanda)
Rwanda has made tremendous progress in the fight against the proliferation of small arms.
So far, over 32,000 illegal arms have been destroyed since 2008. Last year, 40 tonnes of ammunition was destroyed at the Gabiro military barracks; all small arms in the hands of the police, the armed forces and private security companies have been given serial numbers by the newly acquired firearms marking machine.
In 2007, Rwanda established the Central Firearms Registry to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35880
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
Kenya,Sudan,Congo (DRC),Uganda
Uganda Government is Drafting a Bill to Tighten, Control, Limit Firearm Use
25 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
The government is drafting a bill to tighten, control and limit the use of firearms by security agencies and civilians across the country. The Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials Bill seeks to harmonise all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act, 1970.
The 1970 Act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws. It is not known how... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35862
Uganda
Uganda Government Drafts Tougher Firearms Act to Scale Down Gun Misuse
23 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
The government is drafting a bill to regulate the possession of firearms held by security agencies and civilians. The Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials Bill seeks to harmonize all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act 1970.
The act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws.
Under the new licensing system, the Government will... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35859
Somalia,Mozambique,Tanzania,Kenya,East Africa
Small Arms Proliferation in East Africa Fueling Conflicts and Instability - Opinion
23 February 2012
Pambazuka News (Africa), Opinion
A proliferation of small arms is fueling conflict and instability in East Africa. The ongoing pre-election violence in Kenya and the 'war on terror' will deter domestic and international investors, business people and economists say. These fears are valid given that illicit weapons are said to be hidden in parts of Kenya, especially in the Rift Valley Province.
On 9 December 2009 and on 2 February 2010, thousands of bullets, army uniforms, thousands of litres of fuel,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pambazuka News (Africa)
35858
Italy,Philippines,United States,Russia,Germany,Czech Republic,China,Botswana,Oceania,Americas,Africa,Asia,Europe,Central Africa,Caribbean,South America,Central America,Zimbabwe,Namibia,Mozambique,Congo (DRC),Angola,Swaziland,South Africa,Southern Africa
High Gun Death Risk for Young African Men, Women at Home - UN Study
19 February 2012
Southern Times (Southern Africa)
WINDHOEK - Young men in Southern Africa are at the greatest risk of cold-blooded murder, while women in the region are more likely than others from around the world to be killed in domestic violence, a UN agency says.
The statistics from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) come as the region battles to contain the proliferation of gun-related crimes.
Experts have said gun-related crime is a major problem in South Africa and Swaziland, and is on the rise in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Southern Times (Southern Africa)
35844
East Africa,Mozambique,South Africa
South African Shipping Could Be Disrupted by New Piracy Gun Procedure
17 February 2012
Democratic Alliance (Cape Town), Media release
A South African Police Service (SAPS) instruction has been issued that all permits for vessel protection must now be sent directly to the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) in Pretoria, which is effectively defunct.
Until three weeks ago any firearms aboard a ship were collected by the local Port Authority police, and held until the vessel was about to depart our shores, when they were returned.
As piracy in the Mozambican Channel and East African shores is now endemic,... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)
35855
Uganda,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Turkey,Scotland,United Kingdom,Oceania
Dunblane Father Urges End to Global Gun Trade Killing 1500 a Day
12 February 2012
Daily Record (Scotland)
A global campaign to control the trade in deadly weapons will be stepped up at Glasgow University tomorrow when anti-gun campaigner Dr Mick North - whose daughter Sophie was killed in Dunblane tragedy in 1996 - leads a new push by Oxfam and Amnesty towards a United Nations arms treaty.
Here, he explains why the issue means the difference between life and death.
_________
Next month marks the 16th anniversary of my daughter's death.
Sophie was just five when a gunman... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Record (Scotland)
35822
Madagascar
1,700 Rounds of AK-47 Ammo Missing from Madagascar Police [Francais]
9 February 2012
L'Express de Madagascar (Antananarivo)
[Translated summary: An inventory of the National Police arsenal in Analanjirofo, Madagascar, revealed that 1,700 rounds of ammunition for AK-47s had gone missing. No sign of forced entry was found in the storage room.]
Un inventaire a permis de mettre à nu la disparition de munitions à la gendarmerie d'Analanjirofo. Il s'agit de balles pour Kalachnikov.
Pagaille au groupement de la gendarmerie nationale, à Analanjirofo. La disparition de 1 700 munitions et de sept... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: L'Express de Madagascar (Antananarivo)
35827
Uganda
Five Days after Uganda Shooting, New Gun Control Policy Launched
2 February 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
It is perhaps a prefect coincidence that the launch of a new policy to oversee fire arms and ammunition in the country came just five days after a plain clothed low-ranking officer of the police force, shot at an unarmed crowd in Port Bell, Luzira, killing at least one.
The incident was captured in its entirety on video footage, which was later aired on nation-wide television.It raised important questions about gun control in Uganda, about who is allowed to own a gun... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35790
Uganda
Gun Free Zones, Gun Owner Testing Proposed for New Law in Uganda
30 January 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
In its efforts to curb the abundance and abuse of small and light weapons, the government has launched a new policy on firearms and ammunition.
The policy calls for a new legal regime to oversee the acquisition, use and storage of firearms.
The policy was unveiled last week by the Uganda National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons, a department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs that was created in 2003 to handle cases of illicit small arms.
The policy... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35779
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
Uganda
Opposition Demands Stricter Gun Control in Wake of Uganda Shootings
24 January 2012
Monitor (Kampala)
KAMPALA - Opposition Forum for Democratic Change party has asked government to strengthen laws governing the safe and proper use of firearms.
The comments came a day after Santos Komakech, a police bodyguard attached to the Kampala Capital City Authority physical planning director, Mr George Agaba, allegedly shot dead one person and injured several others in Luzira when an eviction exercise turned bloody on Sunday morning.
'We demand that police institutes rules on... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35765
Uganda
Uganda Opposition Party Asks Govt to Strengthen Gun Laws after Shooting
24 January 2012
New Vision (Kampala)
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has asked government to explain the Sunday shooting incident at Port Bell, Luzira that left two people dead and one injured.
During the eviction exercise by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials, a guard to George Agaba, the authority's director of planning, went on a shooting spree when the exercise was met with resistance from the locals and shot dead two men and injured a woman in the arm.
Addressing journalists... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
35761
Kenya
Conditions to Be Met when Applying for Firearm Licence in Kenya
6 January 2012
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
When applying for a firearms certificate, one is required to have a valid certificate of good conduct and a photocopy of their Kenyan Identity Card.
Aliens will have to produce passports, work permits and any other supporting documents.
The originals of the above documents are submitted to the local police boss, who will complete a questionnaire and make his recommendations and thereafter forward to his OCPD.
A safe inspection report, which is filled after the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35715
Kenya
Kenya Regional Commissioner Urges Isiolo Communities to Surrender Arms
14 December 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Communities in Isiolo have been advised to take advantage of the government amnesty to surrender illegal firearms in their custody.
Upper Eastern Regional Commissioner Isaih Nakoru said the government has deployed enough security officers into the areas and that security has been beefed up.
He said those who voluntarily surrender the firearms will not be victimised and that people must feel free to return them at any time. "I am appealing to the communities to start... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35668
Uganda
Uganda Disarmament Nears End - Army Seized 30,000 Guns in 10 Years
13 December 2011
Monitor (Kampala)
NAKAPIRIPIRIT — The army has finally pulled out of the disarmament exercise in Karamoja after 10 years of rigorously pursuing Karimojong warriors to surrender illegal guns.
According to a UPDF report, illegal guns flooded the region in 1979 when Idi Amin's regime was overthrown and soldiers abandoned a major weapons armoury.
The warriors looted the weapons which they later used to carry out cattle rustling and other forms of robbery. The army said the disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35662
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
Burundi,Uganda,Rwanda,Congo (DRC),Africa
Africa: Six Years On - The UN's International Small Arms Tracing Instrument
5 December 2011
Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria), Report
The ability to trace small arms and light weapons (SALW) is an important step toward transparency and preventing the illicit use of firearms in conflict and crime. December 8th 2011 marks the 6th year since the adoption of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI) by the United Nations General Assembly.
In adopting the ITI, although not legally binding, the UN Member States acknowledged that the instrument would enable them to identify and trace, in a timely and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)
35627
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
United States,Kenya
In a Year, NYC Police Fire 20% of Bullets Fired in Hours by Kenya Police
4 December 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Consider this and think of the situation in Kenya as you read on: Last year, 52 officers out of a force of 34,565 officers from the New York Police Department intentionally fired 236 bullets during confrontations with suspects.
The officers reportedly shot and killed only eight people and injured 16 the whole year, in what the Police Department say marked record lows.
Of course the social and economic realities of Nairobi and New York are totally different but there... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35621
Congo (DRC),Africa,Kenya,United States
High-price US Fashion Jewellery Made from AK-47s Funds Gun Destruction
30 November 2011
New York Times
When Cara Buono arrived at the Emmy Awards in September, nominated as best guest actress in a drama series for her role as Dr. Faye Miller in "Mad Men," she wore a $150,000 political statement in her lobes. "These earrings," she said, "are made from AK-47 gun metal."
Ms. Buono's husband, Peter Thum, is a founder, with John Zapolski, of Fonderie 47, an organization that converts what is perhaps the most widely distributed assault rifle into jewelry.
On a visit to Kenya... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
35610
Kenya
50,000 Illegal Guns in Kenya: Government Must Curb Cartels, Say NGOs
22 November 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
More than 50,000 illegal guns are still in the hands of civilians, especially in urban areas and other regions prone to cattle rustling.
A report by civil society groups indicates that the government has been unable to deal with the infiltration of small arms into the country because of involvement of some well-connected individuals involved in the trade. Chairman of the NGOs Council Ken Wafula wants the government to crack down on the cartels.
Wafula says that unless... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35569
Zimbabwe,China
China Delivers 20,000 Assault Rifles to Zimbabwe Ahead of Election
14 November 2011
Defence Web (South Africa)
Zimbabwe has taken delivery of 20 000 AK-47 assault rifles from China as the country re-equips its army ahead of upcoming elections.
The Southern Africa Report, which focuses on political and economic intelligence issues in Africa, reports that the Zimbabwe Defence Force (ZDF) has taken delivery of "the first of several consignments of Chinese small arms and equipment," including AK-47 assault rifles, uniforms, a dozen trucks and 21 000 pairs of handcuffs.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Defence Web (South Africa)
35560
Uganda
Ten-year Drive to Disarm Uganda Results in 900 Deaths, Mainly Civilians
8 November 2011
Monitor (Kampala)
At least 900 people, majority of them civilians have been killed in the north-eastern Karamoja region since the UPDF launched a disarmament exercise 10 years ago.
According to a report released this year by the UPDF, 623 civilians and 269 soldiers were killed either in crossfire or ambushes, which brought the army under the spotlight over alleged human rights abuses as they carried out disarmament.
The report also shows that 417 civilians and 289 soldiers were injured... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
35519
Rwanda
Rwanda Defence Force to Destroy Over 40 Tons of Old Ammunition
3 November 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) has announced that it will, Friday, start a three-day exercise to destroy old ammunition.
According to the RDF and army Spokesperson, Col Joseph Nzabamwita, over 40 tonnes of ammunition will be destroyed at Gabiro School of Infantry in the Eastern Province.
"The ammunition to be destroyed include unexploded ordinances like grenades, bombs, bullets and others," Col. Nzabamwita said.
The RDF says it has notified residents around the facility... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35499
Somalia,Kenya
Kenya Police Recover Illegal Arms in Refugee Camp
1 November 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
A security operation to recover illegal firearms in the three refugee camps in Garissa county in North-Eastern region has unearthed a cache of firearms believed to have been used in crime including hijacking vehicles belonging to humanitarian organisations and foreigners in refugee camps.
The operation which started two weeks ago in the Ifo, Hagardera and Dagahaley have so far recovered four AK 47 assault rifles, 16 magazines and 477 bullets in Hagardera refugee... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35495
Uganda
New Law to Control Possession of Firearms in Uganda
29 October 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
The government is drafting a Bill to control possession of firearms held by security agencies and civilians.The Firearms, Ammunitions and Related Materials Bill, seeks to harmonise all existing laws governing possession of guns, including the Firearms Act, 1970.
The Act only regulates ownership of firearms held by individuals, while those held by the police and security agencies are governed under separate laws.
Under the new licensing system, the Government will... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
35485
North Africa,East Africa,Rwanda
Rwanda Government Steps Up War Against Illegal Small Arms
28 October 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
In a bid to implement the international declarations and protocols that call upon states to adopt measures to fight against the proliferation of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), Rwanda on Wednesday officially launched its National Action Plan (NAP).
The five-year plan will see national focal points formed, mass mobilisation and campaigns conducted and cross-border cooperation reinforced to effectively control and prevent illegal arms trade in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35478
Uganda,East Africa,South Africa,Kenya
Security Threat in Kenya Triggers Debate on Whether to Give Guards Guns
27 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
At the Majlis Resort on Manda Island, the night watchman carries only a radio and a torch. As dusk falls on the island, a team of local police officers armed with rifles arrives and settles down on the beachfront.
Less than a month ago, Somali pirates kidnapped French woman Marieu Dedieu from this very spot. Now police are here to guard a handful of tourists still remaining in Lamu, because they are the only ones who can do it.
"The government wrote a letter to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35480
Madagascar
Increased Number of Applications to Carry Guns in Madagascar [Francais]
25 October 2011
Afriquinfos (Barcelona) / Agence Xinhua
[Translated summary: The Defence Bureau under the Ministry of Interior announced a 20% increase each year of the number of applications to carry firearms, by civilians. This would be due to general insecurity in the Antananarivo province. According to the law, civilians are allowed to purchase firearms of the 2nd and 3rd categories - firearms designated 'for defence': handguns, automatic pistols - hunting firearms: shotguns.]
ANTANANARIVO (Xinhua) - Le nombre de... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Afriquinfos (Barcelona) / Agence Xinhua
35482
Kenya
150,000 Illegal Arms in 2003 to 350,000 in 2011, Expert Warns Kenya
21 October 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
There are more than 350,000 illegal arms in the country, an expert has said. Deputy Director of the Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Patrick Ochieng said the number of illegal arms has shot up in the recent past noting that in 2003 there were only 150,000 illegal firearms in the country.
"We are facing an upsurge of guns which are in the wrong hands and they have become a threat to the country's national security," Ochieng said during a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35449
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
Sudan,Congo (DRC),Djibouti,Central Africa,East Africa,Rwanda
Rwanda to Lead Campaign Against Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons
20 October 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
Rwanda was, on Tuesday, elected to spearhead a regional campaign against illicit small arms and light weapons.
The country was picked by delegates attending a ministerial council meeting of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), a grouping of 15 eastern and central African countries, dedicated to eradicating the proliferation of illegal arms across their borders.
The meeting was held in the Horn of African nation of Djibouti.
Rwanda was elected on the basis of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35440
Tanzania
After 7 Die in Clashes, Tanzania Launches Major Disarmament Operation
15 October 2011
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
ARUSHA — As the hunt for people behind this week's brutal killing of seven people in Ngorongoro District gets underway, a major operation to disarm individuals possessing firearms illegally will start tomorrow.The campaign would focus on Loliondo and Salle divisions where the tribal killings took place, forcing hundreds of scared families and suspects to hide in the bush.
Hundreds of police officers already deployed in the area would conduct the search for illegally... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
35425
Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Somalia,Kenya
Onus Now on Kenya Government to Halt the Firearms Threat - Opinion
9 October 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Opinion
Recent revelations that there are between 200,000 and 450,000 illegal firearms in circulation in the country are quite alarming.
The government must move fast to ensure that this trend of events is put to an immediate halt.
We believe that the country's porous borders are a contributory factor and the authorities must step up efforts to eradicate the menace.
The National Small Arms Mapping Survey, a joint effort between the government and the Swiss-based Small Arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35387
Burundi
Burundi Launches 5-yr Programme to Control Proliferation of Firearms
9 October 2011
Coast Week (Kenya)
BUJUMBURA (Xinhua) - Burundian First Vice-President Therence Sinunguruza Friday launched here in the east African nation's capital Bujumbura a five-year national action plan to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
During the official launch of the new program, the Burundian first vice-president said the proliferation of small and illicit arms exists in Burundi.
"The proliferation of small and illicit arms is real in Burundi and constitutes a real... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Coast Week (Kenya)
35383
Ukraine,Uganda,Sudan,Ethiopia,Libya,Somalia,Kenya
Police Close Kenya-Somalia Border, Attempt to Block 'Conduit of Illicit Arms'
5 October 2011
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere's Monday order to close the Kenya-Somalia border has not affected flights, offering miraa traders and humanitarian workers a lifeline.
Miraa is one of Kenya's largest exports to Somalia, accounting for a substantial share of the Sh13 billion export value to the country last year, according to the Economic Survey 2011.
"We do not have any indication of cancellation of flights from the commissioner's communication," said Kenya Police... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Business Daily (Nairobi)
35374
Somalia,Tanzania
Tanzania Traders Exchange Maize for Guns from Somalia, Minister Told
4 October 2011
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
TARIME - The government in Tarime District, Mara Region, has warned traders who import firearms from neighbouring countries after they exchange them with maize they smuggle out.
Briefing the deputy minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, the Tarime District commissioner, Mr John Henjewele, said district authorities have established that some traders exchange maize they smuggle out with the firearms from Somalia.
"This puts the district, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
35369
Kenya
Bill Recommends 5-yr Prison Term for Misuse of Firearms in Kenya
26 September 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Misuse or illegal possession of firearms will now be punishable by a five-year jail term if the Cabinet passes a newly developed draft bill on small and light weapons compiled by Kenya National Focal Point.
The Bill, which has been handed over to the Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security George Saitoti, recommends that any police officer or licensed firearm holder who handles a gun while under the influence of alcohol will be jailed if... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35330
Rwanda
Police Warn Public Against Illegal Possession of Firearms in Rwanda
23 September 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
Kigali — Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned people who illegally possess firearms, to voluntarily surrender them to the concerned authorities before stiff measures are taken.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Police Spokesperson, Supt. Theos Badege, noted that despite the positive results registered in surrendering firearms in the recent past, some people still possess illegal guns.
The warning follows a series of armed robberies in several parts of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35332
East Africa,Somalia,Sudan,Uganda,Ethiopia,Kenya
Hundreds Die in Gun Violence, Cattle Rustling in East African Drought
20 September 2011
Think Africa Press, Opinion
TURKANA, Kenya - On a recent trip to Turkana in northern Kenya, somewhere between Maralal and Baragoi we stopped by a dry riverbed. A group of 12 men came into view through the desert scrub. As they drew closer their weapons were clearly visible, a mix of AK47s, ex-government issue G3s and a few older rifles. Our nervousness was unwarranted and the group barely slowed as they passed, merely raising their hands in greeting before continuing on towards some distant... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Think Africa Press
35315
Somalia
Unusual Prizes for Children in Somalia: Fully-automatic Assault Rifles
20 September 2011
New York Times
NAIROBI, Kenya — A typical prize for a children's contest might be a backpack, a lunchbox or some toys.
Not in Somalia.
Over the weekend, a Somali radio station run by the Shabab, the most powerful Islamist militant group in the war-ravaged country, held an awards ceremony to honor children who were experts at Shabab trivia and at reciting the Koran. The prizes? Fully-automatic assault rifles and live hand grenades.
The contest itself was held during Ramadan, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New York Times
35299
Rwanda
Civilians Can Legally Own Guns for Security in Rwanda - Police
17 September 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
Civilians are allowed to own guns as long as they seek permission from the National Police and pay the designated annual fee.
This was revealed by the coordinator of small arms at Rwanda National Police, Emmanuel K. Misingo. According to him, owning a private gun is legal as defined by Law no. 33 4009, of 18th November 2009.
The law is also backed by a Presidential Order, signed on 30 May 2011, which outlines the requirements needed for one to qualify to own a... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35295
East Africa,Kenya
Between 200,000-450,000 Illegal Guns in Kenya, Urgent Call to Action
17 September 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Editorial
A new report on the rise in the number of people who have access to guns is as alarming as it is unsurprising.
The report by the respected Small Arms Survey estimates there are between 200,000 and 450,000 guns in the wrong hands in this country.
It is well established that a functional state is one where the government has a monopoly on the use of violence.
By that measure the report's findings are disturbing because they indicate that large parts of the country are... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35290
Tanzania,Sudan,Somalia,Seychelles,Kenya,Eritrea,Ethiopia,Djibouti,East Africa,Congo (DRC),Rwanda,Burundi
RECSA Calls for Increased Efforts to Reduce Small Arms in East Africa
16 September 2011
New Times (Rwanda)
The Executive Secretary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), Dr. Francis K. Sang, has called upon all countries within the region to come up with more mechanisms and strategies to fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
RECSA is an intergovernmental body based in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together 13 countries from the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region.
All member states that subscribe to the centre, including Rwanda, are... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Times (Rwanda)
35284
Kenya
Brew Trader Woman Shot Dead by Armed Gunmen in Kenya Slums
7 September 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
An illegal brew trader was on Monday night shot dead by armed gunmen in Kibera slums. According to police, the woman is known to sell traditional brew Chang'aa within Siranga area of the slums.
Kilimani OCPD Benard Muli confirmed the 8pm shooting and added that a group of about six armed men carried out the murder. She was attacked in her house while in the company of her customers. Muli said that they were investigating the incident to establish why they only shot her... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35255
Uganda
Uganda to Reinforce Control of Small Arms Owned by Civilians
6 September 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
Uganda is in the process of reviewing the national action plan on the control of small arms and light weapons.
The plan will provide for the issuance of certificates of competence to holders of private arms.
Under the plan, the country will establish a firearms registry and establish the number and gender of persons with arms besides those under the custody of the security personnel.
The five-year plan covering 2011-2015 will restrict issuance of certificates of... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
35249
Kenya
Kenya Gun Control, Firearm Licensing Restrictions, Penalties to Increase
30 August 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
The government is to introduce new laws for acquiring guns. Kenya National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons Director David Kimaiyo has said the new laws will include stiff penalties for misuse of illegally acquired guns.
Kimaiyo said there had been many cases of misuse of licensed guns but now proper vetting will be done before guns are issued. He said currently the laws dealing with licensed guns did not adequately deal with their abuse.
Kimaiyo who was... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35228
Ethiopia,Kenya
Three Ethiopians with 2,000 Bullets Arrested at Kenyan Border
17 August 2011
Nairobi Star (Kenya)
Police in Moyale have arrested three suspected Ethiopians with more than 2,000 bullets at the border town a day after two people were killed in the area.
The three were intercepted crossing the border with the bullets in their bags. The police locked them up in Moyale police station. Upper Eastern regional PC Isaiah Nakoru said the suspects had Kenyan IDs. The PC, who held series of meetings in Moyale to calm the situation following the killing of two people two days... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Nairobi Star (Kenya)
35211
Madagascar
Authorities Seize Guns and Ammunition from Madagascar Trader [Francais]
17 August 2011
Afriquinfos
[Translated summary: Two Russian hunting rifles .36 caliber, two rifles .12 caliber, an automatic pistol (7.65 mm), an air gun (5mm) and more than 845 ammunition were seized in Madagascar. The owner of the firearms is a businessman from Moramanga.]
ANTANANARIVO (Xinhua) - Plusieurs armes et munitions ont été saisies chez un opérateur économique de Moramanga, une ville située à 116 Km à l'est d'Antananarivo, la capitale malgache, a affirmé le premier responsable... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Afriquinfos
35201
Tanzania
Amnesty in Tanzania: Surrender Illegal Arms in Churches, Mosques
12 August 2011
IPP Media (Dar es Salaam)
Police in Arusha Region have ordered people who possess unlicenced arms to surrender them in churches, mosques and other religious houses.
Arusha Regional Police Commander Thobias Andengenye issued the order yesterday when commenting on the ongoing countrywide exercise on illegal arms surrendering.
The move comes few days after the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council met here on inter-state security to step up joint regional security operations and training... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: IPP Media (Dar es Salaam)
35183
Eritrea,Yemen,Somalia
Arms Smuggling Rife in Somalia Despite UN Embargo, Claims Report
11 August 2011
Africa Review
Arms are still being smuggled into Somalia despite a United Nations embargo, a report released by an international security think tank yesterday indicates.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) arms continue to be illegally brought in from Yemen into Somalia as imports which end up with Somali opposition and criminal groups.
"Arms purchases by opposition groups have reportedly been facilitated by financing from Eritrea, private... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Africa Review
35179
Russia,United States,European Union,Belgium,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Burundi
Development, Security Require a World Without Small Arms [Francais]
9 August 2011
Pax Christi Wallonie Bruxelles (Brussels)
[Translated summary: In Burundi, the authorities spend each year an average of 5 dollars per person for health care. Each gun injury costs 163 dollars to the health care system. Three quarters of the global budget for health care is thus spent on these injuries!]
Au Burundi, les autorités consacrent en moyenne 5 dollars par habitant aux soins de santé chaque année. Chaque blessure causée par une arme à feu coûte 163 dollars au système des soins de santé. Trois... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pax Christi Wallonie Bruxelles (Brussels)
35176
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
Tanzania
Ultimatum on Illegal Gun Possession as Tanzania Police Launch Amnesty
22 July 2011
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Dar es Salaam — Police yesterday announced a three-month grace period for people possessing unlicensed firearms in the country to surrender them to the authorities.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Saidi Mwema also said those legally permitted to own a gun should renew their licences within the three-month period. He said under the exercise all weapons in the country will be registered.
The IGP warned that the Police Force would embark on a country-wide... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
35118
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
Kenya
3rd Licensed Gun Owner Charged in Kenya Road Rage, Shooting Dramas
6 July 2011
Standard (Nairobi)
A businessman was arrested after he dramatically fired six rounds of ammunition in a road rage incident at the junction of Kenyatta Avenue and Koinange Street, Nairobi.
Mr Elly Owuor, was arrested outside the Serena Hotel where he had escaped to following the 3am incident on Wednesday.
Mr Owuor's black sleek Mercedes Benz car had been involved in an accident with another salon vehicle when he suddenly came out holding a pistol in his hand.
Police confirmed that he is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Standard (Nairobi)
35019
Kenya,Sudan
Southern Sudan Faces Major Challenge in Disarming 150,000 Soldiers
2 July 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Southern Sudan is facing a major challenge of disarming more than 150,000 soldiers and easing them back to civilian life when it gains independence this week.
Southern Sudan Disarmament Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission chairman William Deng Deng said the new state wants to get rid of excess forces including the elderly, disabled and children.
"These are soldiers that are no longer useful after the war. We now need an organised, professional, controllable... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
35005
Uganda
Policeman Arrested in Uganda for Allegedly Hiring Out Gun to Thugs
1 July 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
He was charged with maintaining law and order, but instead fanned insecurity. The Police yesterday paraded Corporal Nangai Abdalla, among several armed robbery suspects.
Nangai, the officer-in-charge of Kikooge Police post, Nakasongola district was arrested for allegedly hiring out a Police rifle to thugs, one of them a private in the UPDF to rob residents.
Deputy Police spokesperson Vincent Ssekate yesterday said Nangai was arrested near Masindi post, about a week... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
35004
Uganda
Uganda Mulls Law Change to Include Politicians in Hidden Handgun Ban
21 June 2011
New Vision (Kampala)
The Government is to review the licensing of firearms to civilians in order to bar politicians from carrying guns to public places.
Internal affairs minister Hillary Onek said most leaders such as Members of Parliament, have continuously carried firearms in public places resulting in scenes of violence.
"I don't see the necessity of MPs carrying guns. It is a threat to the public. We have to review this policy," he said.
He made the remarks during the launch of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
34977
Uganda,East Africa,Somalia,Ethiopia,Sudan,Kenya
East Africa: Put Down Your Gun, Pick Up Your Baton and Run for Peace
12 June 2011
East African (Nairobi)
As she posed for a picture with cattle rustlers long used to treating guns as toys, East African Community Deputy Secretary General for Political Federation Beatrice Kiraso made a provocative statement.
"The richest people in the world are not cattle keepers but industrialised nations," she told an audience of mainly cattle keeping communities during the 8th edition of the Moroto Peace Race recently.
You don't tell that to a community that lives and dies for cattle.... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: East African (Nairobi)
34955
Kenya
Wave of Murders/Suicides Amongst Kenyan Police Under Study
16 May 2011
Capital FM-Radio (Nairobi)
NAIROBI, Kenya - Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere has commissioned a research to establish the cause of the stress levels amongst his officers, in the wake of increased cases of policemen killing their seniors or colleagues before they commit suicide.
This follows four recent incidents where police officers have either committed suicide or killed fellow officers - mainly their seniors - in various parts of the country.
The most recent incident occurred at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Capital FM-Radio (Nairobi)
34814
Kenya
Police Officer Uses Service Rifle to Gun Down Boss, 2 Colleagues in Kenya
27 March 2011
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
A policeman, who shot dead two of his colleagues, stared into the camera without any remorse on Sunday morning.
Mr Martin Mutwiri, 28, was arrested as he boarded a Nairobi-bound matatu in Nanyuki town, in what detectives described as a bid to escape.
This was barely 10 hours after he shot the deputy commander of Naro Moru Police Station, Mr Hudson Orwenyo and a senior sergeant on Saturday evening.
Nyeri police boss Kirunya Limbitu said the suspect turned violent... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
34588
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
Comoros
Hundreds of State-owned Assault Weapons, Pistols 'Missing' in Comoros
31 January 2011
IRIN (UN News)
MUTSAMUDU - Hundreds of weapons used in a revolt on Anjouan, one of three islands in the Comoros archipelago, remain unaccounted for, causing the government to change its strategy for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.
Some of the more than 300 small arms - from pistols to assault rifles - issued by the state to Anjouan's Forces De Gendarmerie d'Anjouan (FGA), part of the national army, were turned against the Comorian national government by Mohamed Bacar... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: IRIN (UN News)
34341
Kenya
Olympic Champion Charged Over AK-47 Threat to Kill His Wife in Nairobi
30 December 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Olympic marathon gold medallist Samuel Wanjiru was on Thursday charged with threatening to kill his wife, Tereza Njeri, with an illegal firearm.
The marathon champion was also charged with threatening to kill their househelp, Nancy Njoki, and wounding a security guard, Mr William Masinde.
Wanjiru denied the charges in a Nyahururu court and was released on a bond of Sh300,000, with a similar surety.
He is said to have committed the offences on Wednesday at his... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
33924
Mozambique
Mozambique Police Sergeant Detained for Hiring AK-47, Pistol to Criminals
13 December 2010
Mozambique News Agency
MAPUTO — A Mozambican police sergeant in the central city of Chimoio was arrested on Friday and charged with hiring out police guns and uniforms to a gang of ten criminals who carried out armed robberies in Chimoio and in the districts of Barue, Guro and Gondola.
The sergeant is Manuel Tinga, who has been in the police force for about 17 years. After his arrest he told Radio Mozambique that he took to hiring equipment to criminals as "an act of despair" in order to... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Mozambique News Agency
33829
Uganda
Ugandan MP, Accused Wife Murderer Legally Bought, Registered His Pistol
30 November 2010
New Vision (Kampala)
A city businessman has admitted selling a Star pistol to Arua municipality MP, Akbar Hussein Godi.
Geoffrey Kalyegira, who deals in hardware and construction materials, told Mukono High Court on Monday that he sold the gun at sh5m and transferred its ownership to Godi in September 2008.
Godi is a prime suspect in the murder of his wife, Rehema Caesar, who was shot dead at Lugojja village in Mukono district on December 4, 2008. Her body was dumped near Mpoma satellite... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: New Vision (Kampala)
33725
Kenya
Kenya Policeman Kills 10, Hunting 'Woman Who Infected Him With HIV'
8 November 2010
Associated Press
A police officer who said he was looking for a woman who infected him with HIV rampaged through three bars in a central Kenyan town and killed 10 people, including two fellow officers, officials say.
The shooting spree happened late on Saturday in Siakago, 150km northeast of the capital Nairobi.
The suspect, who is in his 30s, went out on Saturday night looking for a female friend but couldn't find her, District Commissioner John Chelimo said on Sunday. The officer is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Associated Press
33588
Kenya
Police Reforms Deliberately Leave Security Guards Unarmed in Kenya
15 September 2010
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Private security guards hoping to own forearms will have to undergo the same licensing procedures as civilians, the Police Reforms Implementation Committee has said.
The committee chairman, Mr Titus Naikuni, said the Private Security Industry Regulation Bill 2010, meant to regulate the private security sector would not automatically allow the arming of security guards.
The quest to arm private security guards - who are not members of the armed force - has opened... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Business Daily (Nairobi)
33356
Kenya
Police, Even Security Industry Oppose Arming Private Guards in Kenya
13 September 2010
Business Daily (Nairobi)
Regulation of the private security sector is seen as a prerequisite to allowing guards to carry firearms as proposed in the Private Security Regulation Bill 2010, a measure seen as a deterrent to crime, but which could also become a security risk if arms filter to criminals.
Countries like Uganda, Morocco and Canada allow private guards to be armed under strict regulations. However, whether allowing guards to carry arms is or is not a crime deterrent measure is... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Business Daily (Nairobi)
33352
Kenya
Give Police More Resources, Don't Risk Arming Security Guards in Kenya
9 September 2010
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Editorial
NAIROBI — The job of a private security guard is most unenviable. These people work long hours, often in the dark of night, rarely with any kind of break, and they are hardly ever appreciated - until something untoward happens.
Most private security guards are ill-trained and invariably ill-paid. Indeed, for between Sh5,000 and Sh8,000 a month, they are supposed to lay down their lives in the line of duty.
So it does sound extremely callous to raise an alarm about... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)
33342
Uganda
Government Gave Guns to Uganda Politicians, Now Wants Them Disarmed
12 August 2010
Monitor (Kampala)
The Gulu Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Milton Odong, has issued an order to have all politicians in the region disarmed following the return of peace.
Several politicians were given guns at the height of the Lord's Resistance Army war.
Mr Odong issued the directive on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the UPDF's 4 Division administration and copied to the Ministers of Defence, Internal Affairs, Security and that of Presidency.
"Now that there is total... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Monitor (Kampala)
33172
Tanzania
Police Destroy Another 1500 Confiscated Small Arms in Tanzania
9 August 2010
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
The Police Force in Mwanza Region has destroyed 1500 illegal small arms confiscated during raids on criminals.
The destruction of the arms over the weekend was sponsored by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) in collaboration with the Japanese government.
Speaking during the destruction, the RECSA executive secretary, Dr Francis Sang, said the destruction demonstrates the seriousness with which Tanzania takes the implementation of the Nairobi... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
33165
Tanzania
Public Gun Bonfire Destroys Another 4,000 Illegal Weapons in Tanzania
7 August 2010
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
The Police Force is finalising plans to destroy 4,000 illegal firearms confiscated throughout the country.
The Mwanza Regional Police Commander, Mr Simon Sirro, said the illegal weapons were confiscated in Mara, Shinyanga, Tabora, Rukwa, Mbeya, Ruvuma and Mwanza while other weapons were from the Tabora wildlife department.
He told journalists yesterday that the exercise would be conducted at Nyamagana grounds in Mwanza.
"The exercise would be conducted in public in... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
33160
Zimbabwe
Officers Told Not to Settle Personal Scores with Police Guns in Zimbabwe
30 July 2010
Herald (Zimbabwe)
HARARE — Police officers have been warned against using service firearms to settle personal scores.
Addressing 149 Support and Protection Unit graduands at Shamva Battle Camp yesterday, chief-of-staff to the Police Commissioner-General and chairperson of National Support Group, Comm Oliver Chibage, said officers must not abuse firearms.
"Stern disciplinary measures shall be taken against any form of unprofessional conduct. Accordingly, the organisation will not... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Herald (Zimbabwe)
33147
France,Bulgaria,Kenya
Amnesty International Report Claims Kenya Abets Regional Gun Running
21 July 2010
Standard (Nairobi)
Kenya is one of the countries that have failed to control movement of weapons, which end up being used to commit war crimes.
A new report by Amnesty International shows how countries fail to control trafficking of deadly arms globally, leading to serious human rights violation.
The report exposed how transport companies registered in five countries ship arms by sea and air around the world.
The report, Deadly Movements: Arms Transportation Controls in the Arms Trade... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Standard (Nairobi)
33144
Tanzania,Kenya,Rwanda,Congo (DRC),Burundi,Somalia,Ethiopia,Djibouti,Eritrea
Great Lakes and Horn of Africa Nations Add Local Serial Numbers to Guns
3 July 2010
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
The Regional Centre on Small Arms (Recsa) is procuring a database software to facilitate firearms marking, record keeping and trade of light weapons in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.
Speaking at a two-day regional workshop in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, the Recsa Monitoring and Evaluation head, Mr Nestory Mpembela, said with the database software, small arms and light weapons particulars would be at finger tips.
"This product will immensely and positively... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
32962
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