Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Security Companies in Angola Must Hand In Weapons
2 September 2022
Jornal de Angola
Security companies have six months to hand in the war calibre weapons they use in their activities, against the rules set out in Law 10/14, commissioner Orlando Bernardo said yesterday during a press conference on the balance of criminal actions that occurred in August and September this year in the country.
The official clarified that after this deadline, companies that fail to deliver will do so in a coercive manner. "From now on, the coercive period will start, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Botswana Experiences Sharp Decline in Civilian Gun Licence Applications
28 July 2022
News24 (South Africa)
- About 14 000 civilians in Botswana applied for firearm licences compared to around 35 000 last year.
- Less than 300 licenses were granted after a public raffle.
- Botswana police say armed robbers in Botswana are a syndicate also operating in South Africa.
There was a sharp decline in the number of civilians applying for gun licences in Botswana this year compared to 2021.
"This year, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) received 7 274 applications for licences to... (GunPolicy.org)
Rising Gang Violence in Ecuador Prompts State of Emergency
6 May 2022
Organization for World Peace
President Guillermo Lasso of Ecuador has declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, and Esmeraldas, as a result of rising crime in the region. Citing the impact of drug trafficking gangs, he has announced the imposition of a curfew and has sent 9,000 police and soldiers to the coastal provinces in an effort to enforce peace and order. Since taking office in 2021, this action means President Lasso has now twice used emergency powers due to... (GunPolicy.org)
Morocco Approves Draft Law to Regulate Firearms
12 March 2022
Hespress
The Government Council, chaired by Aziz Akhannouch Head of Government, approved, in its session of Thursday on March 10, the draft law No. 86.21 on firearms, their parts, components, accessories, and ammunition, put forth by the Minister of the Interior Abdelouafi Laftit.
The project aims to fortify the kingdom's legislation with international conventions against all forms of illicit firearms trafficking.
At a press conference after the meeting of the Government... (GunPolicy.org)
Police U-turn on Firearm Amnesty
21 October 2021
New Era (Namibia)
Despite assurances by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga and safety and security minister Albert Kawana that no one will be prosecuted for handing in unlicensed firearms and ammunition, an about-turn saw police announcing those who surrendered firearms used in the commission of a crime will indeed be arrested and prosecuted.
When he announced the amnesty earlier this year, Ndeitunga was quoted as saying "Cabinet endorsed the month of September as the amnesty month to... (GunPolicy.org)
Effective Control of Illegal Weapons in Nigeria
23 September 2021
Punch (Nigeria)
The recent transmission by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), of two executive bills to the National Assembly to control arms proliferation and regulate the importation of explosives into the country appears in order. But deeper scrutiny exposes the regime's tactless approach and the helplessness of security forces in curbing arms smuggling into Nigeria. The biggest problem is that in many parts of the country, the Nigerian state has lost its... (GunPolicy.org)
Afghanistan and Libya: All Weapons in the Hands of Islamic Terrorists
22 September 2021
Corriere della Sera (italy)
Afghanistan, Libya and Syria are the three crises that today fuel the archipelago of Islamic extremism. Three countries that are out of control and where Western intervention has increased the risk to global security. In Doha, in recent months, the Americans negotiated the withdrawal from Afghanistan with the Taliban, promising: we will leave, but you will not allow al Qaeda or other extremist groups to operate in the country. We know how that went. And when countries... (GunPolicy.org)
Angola Concerned Over Rise In Firearm Homicides
20 September 2021
TPA (Angola)
Angola has recorded a generalised reduction in crimes in the country, but cases of murder have increased, many of which are carried out using firearms, the Angolan interior minister warned today, calling for the involvement of the authorities and the population.
Eugénio Laborinho was speaking at the opening of the extended Consultative Council, during which he presented data on public security for the first half of 2021.
According to the minister, in the first six... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria's Buhari Transmits Bills on Gun Control,
15 September 2021
Daily Trust (Nigeria)
President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted to the senate two bills that seek to control the proliferation of arms and regulate the importation and exportation of explosives in the country.
They are: the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2021; and Explosives Bill 2021.
Buhari transmitted the bill in two separate letters dated the 26th and 27th August 2021 and read during the commencement of plenary by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday.
Buhari, in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Increases Costs for Gun Licenses
27 August 2021
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Government has proposed to increase gun licensing fees from Shs150,000 to Shs5 million for private gun owners according to the 2017/2018 financial year budget estimates.
The development was communicated by the State Minister for Planning David Bahati while appearing before the Parliamentary Budget Committee.
This follows an increase in gun related crimes in the country with the most recent being the murder of AIGP Felix Kaweesi, his driver and body guard by armed... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Students Denounce Influx of Illegal Firearms
26 August 2021
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
Students in Ogun State have blamed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over what they alleged as an influx of illegal firearms into the country through the borders in the state.
The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun, the National Association of University Students (NAUS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) lamented that the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Service was becoming a toothless bulldog... (GunPolicy.org)
North Africa,Slovakia,Czech Republic,France,Serbia,Burkina Faso,Mali
Sahel: Serbian Weapons Used by Brutal Armed Groups
24 August 2021
Amnesty International
Amnesty International's arms experts have identified Serbian-manufactured weapons in videos posted by armed groups operating in the Sahel, including an Islamic State affiliate which has claimed responsibility for hundreds of civilian deaths. The new rifles, some the latest available models, match trade records of Serbia's sales to Burkina Faso, suggesting the weapons were recently sold to the government before falling into the hands of armed groups.
Amnesty... (GunPolicy.org)
Serbia,West Africa,Burkina Faso,Mali
Identified Serbian Weapons in Stockpiles of Armed Groups in Sahel
24 August 2021
Amnesty International
Amnesty International's arms experts have identified Serbian-manufactured weapons in videos posted by armed groups operating in the Sahel, including an Islamic State affiliate which has claimed responsibility for hundreds of civilian deaths. The new rifles, some the latest available models, match trade records of Serbia's sales to Burkina Faso, suggesting the weapons were recently sold to the government before falling into the hands of armed groups.
Amnesty... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Villagers Stockpile Arms for Self-Defence
24 August 2021
Daily Trust (Nigeria)
Many communities in North West and North Central are contributing money to buy guns and other weapons to protect themselves against bandits, terrorists and other criminals, Daily Trust reports. Wealthy individuals are also reportedly buying personal guns to protect themselves against aggression or buying weapons for groups.
Villagers in Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau and Katsina States are on the lead as many communities in States having security challenges have... (GunPolicy.org)
Tightening Gun Control In South Africa
19 August 2021
Conversation (South Africa)
Statistics produced by the police and mortuary surveillance systems in South Africa have consistently shown that firearms are the most commonly used weapons to commit murder and other violent crimes, such as carjacking and house robberies.
With this in mind, the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services which serves as the technical advisory agency to the Minister of Police, wants to have the Firearms Control Act amended to introduce more stringent firearm licensing... (GunPolicy.org)
52 Guns Recovered Over Disarmament Exercise in Uganda
17 August 2021
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
The joint security force of police and the army has cautioned residents and others wishing to visit Karamoja to desist from using motorcycles to access the area.
The warning was issued by Karamoja Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Michael Longole, while addressing the media on Monday.
He said riding motorcycles through the lonely routes such as Moroto, Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Moroto Nabulatuk should be avoided at this time when the disarmament exercise is taking... (GunPolicy.org)
Fewer Guns Will Save Women's Lives in South Africa
16 August 2021
Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
Fifty-eight percent of South Africa's domestic violence murder victims from April to June 2020 were women, according to national police statistics. Sixty-seven percent of these women were killed by a current or ex-intimate partner. In such cases, femicide is the final act in a pattern of chronic and escalating abuse. South Africa's rate of femicide has been estimated at six times higher than the global average.
Research has consistently shown that having access to a... (GunPolicy.org)
Training on Arms Control for Liberian Border Security Officers
10 August 2021
Analyst (Liberia)
State Security Officers assigned at the Ganta-Guinea and Loguotou-Ivory Coast Borders, Nimbia County and Toe-Town (B'hai)-Ivory Coast Border, Grand Gedeh County are expected to benefit from specialized Training on Small Arms and Light Weapons control, Arms trade, Transfer and Trafficking as well as Gender in Arms Control.
According to a release signed by Thomas Mulbah, Communication and Outreach Officer, following the specialized training at the targeted border sites,... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Reps Move to Tighten Gun Control Laws
13 July 2021
Premium Times (Nigeria)
In a bid to address the proliferation of arms and ammunition in the country, the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the Firearms Act.
The bill, which also seeks to provide strict penalties for illegal possession of firearms and to allow the production of arms and ammunition by private entities, was passed for second reading on Tuesday.
The sponsor of the bill, Adejoro Adeogun (APC, Ondo), said in his legislative... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Amends Domestic Firearms Control Legislations
12 July 2021
All Africa (Liberia)
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) continues to make significant gains to ensure the domestication of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in Liberia.
Of recent, and having attracted funding and technical assistance from Expertise France, the leadership of the Small Arms Commission has been meeting, in constructive sessions with influential government institutions, mainly relevant Committees of the national legislature, civil society stakeholders and the... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Destroys Almost 25,000 Firearms During Amnesty Periods
8 July 2021
Times (South Africa)
The police have destroyed almost 25,000 firearms, including weapons voluntarily handed over during the two previous amnesty periods, and those that were either confiscated or surrendered to the state.
The firearms were destroyed at Cape Gate Steel in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, after a notice was published in the Government Gazette in June, with 24,910 firearms intended to be destroyed.
"About half of the firearms that have been destroyed were handed in during the... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Adopts Tougher Penalties for Illegal Firearms
1 July 2021
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill which provides for three years jail term or N3 million fine or both, as penalties for anyone caught illegally possessing or dealing in firearms in Nigeria.
Titled 'Firearms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021', the piece of legislation amends section 35 (2) of the Principal Act which previously provided a fine of just N1000 as penalty.
The amendment to section 35(2), which is captured in Clause 4 of the bill, provides for stiffer... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenyan President Sets Fire to More Than 5 000 Illegal Guns
10 June 2021
Independent Online (IOL)
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday set alight more than 5 000 illegal firearms in a gesture to highlight the importance of peaceful resolutions to conflict.
Kenyatta set fire to 5144 illegal firearms, in addition to out-of-date state-owned guns, at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre located in Ngong, west of the capital Nairobi, State House Kenya reported.
"A peaceful Kenya, a united Kenya is for the good of all of us. And that can only be achieved... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Burns Over 5,000 Illegal Firearms to Curb Crime
10 June 2021
AfricaNews
The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday presided over the burning of 5,144 illegal firearms and obsolete state-owned small arms and light weapons at the Regional Traffic Police Training Centre in Ngong, Kajiado County.
He further called on those making homemade guns to join the newly built government facility that produces guns.
"This is to those making illegal guns, come we make legal money and jobs. Come forward and declare you can make a gun and you will... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Embarks on a Five-year Strategic Plan for Arms Control
8 June 2021
Analyst (Liberia)
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) has concluded three-day stakeholders' validation sessions to endorse a five-year Strategic Plan (2021-2025) that has been formulated to provide strategic direction for the Commission. The Plan will essentially guide management decisions, planned programs and activities in the accomplishment of its general and specific mandates and institutional sustainability. The five-year Strategic Plan builds and improves on... (GunPolicy.org)
Heavy Gunfire: What's Behind Faure's Show of Force at Akaba
5 June 2021
TogoWeb (Togo)
[Translated content]
The President of the Republic, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, attended last weekend a shooting campaign with heavy weapons on the Akaba (Akébou) firing range. It is often said that great evils require great remedies. And the other one says: "who travels far, spares his mount".
These two adages, which have always been true, are a source of determination for our country which is sharpening its weapons to comply with the new military programming law... (GunPolicy.org)
Togo Conducts Heavy Weapons Firing Campaign
3 June 2021
TogoWeb (Togo)
He who wants peace prepares for war. Faure Gnassingbé seems to have understood this quote from Julius Caesar. After the promulgation of the law on military programming and the acquisition of military equipment in Togo, the Togolese head of state has seen fit to test his weapons.
If the information does not appear on any official government website, it is rather abundantly relayed on the web. On one of the photos published by some news sites, we can see the Togolese... (GunPolicy.org)
LiNCSA Proposes Mandatory Registration of Hunting Guns
27 May 2021
Smart News Liberia
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), through its Chairman has submitted a proposal to the Government of Liberia to begin the conduct of mandatory registration of single barrel hunting guns throughout Liberia within 180 days commencing July 2021 and granting full amnesty for the offense of illegal possession of single barrels hunting guns during the said period.
In a communication to His Excellency President George Manneh Weah dated May 25, 2021, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Merchants Of Death: Tactics Criminals Use to Smuggle Firearms Into Nigeria
21 May 2021
Punch (Nigeria)
Criminals are hell-bent on making Nigeria unsafe with the diverse methods being used to smuggle firearms into the country. The country is currently battling insurgents, killer herders, robbers, kidnappers and bandits using sophisticated weapons to cause mayhem across states in the country. The security agents have been able to bust some of the gangs and their methods of smuggling firearms into the country while others albeit escaped their eagle eyes. There are viral... (GunPolicy.org)
Arms Trafficking in Togo and Benin
12 May 2021
TogoWeb (Togo)
[Translated text]
Have the Togolese become very active in arms trafficking? After the seizure of 70,000 12-gauge cartridges by the Beninese police, Togo also announced a second seizure of 1,300 cartridges of the same calibre. In both cases, Benin is mentioned as the final destination and the involvement of Togolese.
"On 30 April 2021 at around 1am, the patrol team of the Central Police Station of the city of Lomé stopped a suspicious AUDI car with the registration... (GunPolicy.org)
Africa,Americas,Asia,Europe,Oceania
Basic Steps That Can Stop Catastrophic Explosions at Munition Sites
8 April 2021
Conversation
A series of massive blasts recently rocked Equatorial Guinea's city of Bata. The explosions, at an army barracks, killed over 100 people and destroyed military buildings as well as people's homes around the site. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema stated that the explosions were "caused by negligence of the unit in charge of storing explosives, dynamite and ammunition at the Nkoa Ntoma military camp".
Unplanned explosions at munitions sites have occurred on all continents... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia to Amend the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015
31 March 2021
Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA)
Liberia is leading the reform efforts within in West Africa to conform to provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) by ensuring the validation to amend the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015 and the Act creating the National Small Arms Commission of Liberia.
The new Arms Commission Act when enacted by the National Legislature will expand its mandate to regulate all categories of conventional arms including small arms, light weapons their ammunition and related... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA)
Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity with Cargo Tracking Note
26 March 2021
This Day (Nigeria)
Over the years Nigeria has been bedeviled by insecurity and the problem has become worse in the last five years.
The situation seems to have defied all effort by the federal government to check the menace. Apart from banditry and kidnapping for ransom, piracy in the nation's waters is at an all-time high.
Also, the country has been besieged by the outbreak of violence and conflicts, which have claimed thousands of lives and property.
For instance, Boko Haram has, in... (GunPolicy.org)
Weapons and Ammunition Seized in Segbe
19 March 2021
TogoWeb (Togo)
The defence and security forces have been carrying out control operations in certain areas of the city of Lomé and its surroundings for several weeks. The objective is to fight against the growing crime in the country.
On Thursday 18 March 2021, these operations were extended to the Segbe district, a locality located in the western suburbs of the capital in the Golfe 7 commune, according to a statement issued by the Minister of Security and Civil Protection, General... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian State Vows to Prosecute Herders with Firearms
2 March 2021
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
Herders and livestock owners in Bayelsa State who are caught with firearms will be arrested and prosecuted by the state government when the anti-open grazing bill before the House of Assembly is passed into law and assented to by Governor Douye Diri.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Biriyai Dambo SAN, stated this while speaking at the public hearing on the legislative document titled, 'Livestock Breeding and Marketing Regulation Bill, 2021' at the House... (GunPolicy.org)
Work Can Be a Violent Experience For Zimbabwe's Forest Rangers
9 February 2021
Conversation
As cases of poaching rise across Africa's protected areas, some governments have responded with a military approach to nature conservation. From as early as the mid 1980s, military forces themselves were used to enforce conservation, as were military strategies and technologies and paramilitary personnel. In 2011, about 165 South African soldiers were deployed to the Kruger National Park, and soldiers were deployed to Zimbabwe's national parks in 2015. Deployment of... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Women Turn to Fight Rape, Murder Scourge
7 February 2021
Guardian
For the dozens of women training at a shooting range near Johannesburg, learning how to use a gun has become a means of protection in a country where a woman is murdered every three hours.
For the first time in her life, Ntando Mthembu holds a revolver in her hands. Without hesitating, she fires 10 bullets towards a cardboard target.
Last November Mthembu's cousin, left alone in a house for several hours, was gang-raped and murdered.
"Before it happens to me, I want... (GunPolicy.org)
How Arms Proliferation Fuels Insecurity in Nigeria
7 February 2021
All Africa
Despite efforts by security forces, violent crimes are on the hike pointing to availability of small and light weapons in the country. Experts attribute this trend to large unmanned borders.
Proliferation of arms, occasioned by illegal and porous borders and booming business of gun-running, is fuelling Nigeria's security challenges, giving rise to criminal activities across the country.
Investigations by Daily Trust show a spike in cases of banditry, kidnapping,... (GunPolicy.org)
The Roots of Pre-Election Carnage by Uganda Security Forces
20 January 2021
Conversation (Uganda)
For two days in November 2020, Uganda witnessed some of the most violent riots in a decade. The riots were triggered by the arrest of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, who is challenging the incumbent Yoweri Museveni in the February 14 2021 election. Authorities alleged that Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, had consistently disregarded COVID-19 related election campaign guidelines limiting gatherings to no more than 200 people.
In the violence... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria: Police Warn Against Unlawful Gun Possession
6 January 2021
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
As a result of various violence and attacks, kidnapping and other vices across Oyo State, the State Police Command has warned against possession of illegal firearms in the state.
The warning was contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Oyo State Command, Fadeyi Olugbenga, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu.
According to the statement, "It has come to the attention of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Insecurity and the Right to Bear Arms in Nigeria
4 November 2020
Guardian (Nigeria)
One of the cardinal responsibilities of government is the safeguard of lives and properties, provided under Section14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. So paramount is this responsibility that the entire economic, social and political progress of any society depends on it.
Nigeria for the past decade has witnessed unprecedented amount of bloodshed, destruction of properties and displacement of people from their native homes and places of business. The level... (GunPolicy.org)
72 Small Arms Destroyed by Rural Communities in Sierra Leone
1 November 2020
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
On the 28th October 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLeNCSA) and communities in the border districts of Falaba and Kailahun destroyed 72 weapons collected from these communities under the Weapons for Development initiative of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-European Union (EU) Organized Crime West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) project.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
CSOs Must Join Fight Against Ghana Arms Proliferation
15 October 2020
Graphic Online (Ghana)
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have been urged to develop an evidence-based research for policy decisions to support government in the fight against illicit flow and proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the country.
The issue of SALW, according to the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, had been a great concern to Ghana and the international community, and, therefore, a solid advocacy and research of the matter would put state... (GunPolicy.org)
Democratization of Gun Ownership in Uganda
4 October 2020
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
On November 12, 2016, Mr Matthew Kanyamunyu was arrested on suspicion that he drew a pistol and fatally shot Kenneth Akena after the social worker sideswiped his car at Forest Mall in Lugogo, Kampala.
In the shooting's aftermath, questions continue swirling around crime, punishment, impunity and even tribalism. Predictably, these questions obviate other questions about gun ownership.
Even though government has increased license fees for individuals and companies... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudan Destroys 300,000 Illegal Firearms
30 September 2020
Daily Independent (Sudan)
The Sudanese government destroyed over 300,000 illegal weapons that were handed over voluntarily over three phases as part of the National Project for Collecting Firearms, announcing the launch of the fourth phase.
At a ceremony held in Hajar al-Asal area in northern Sudan, thousands of the firearms collected over the past three years were destroyed in a controlled explosion by the army.
The operation was carried out in the presence of defense and interior ministers,... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Police Give Deadline for Submission of Illegal Firearms
17 September 2020
Premium Times (Nigeria)
As part of efforts to curb the proliferation of firearms, the Niger State command of the Nigeria Police Force has issued an ultimatum for submission of illegal and prohibited firearms.
"The Niger State Police Command hereby calls on members of the public who are in possession of illegal and prohibited firearms such as single barrel, double barrel, automatic pump action and locally fabricated gun etc to render such firearms to a nearby Police Division, Area Command or... (GunPolicy.org)
The Do's and Don'ts of Gun-handling in Uganda
11 September 2020
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
On the morning of September 5, a video clip showed State minister for Labour Mwesigwa Rukutana grabbing a gun from a police officer before aiming it at people in a car.
What followed is a long story. I review this safety and security incident by questioning and trying to answer to the question. This article tries to show what should be followed when one has or uses a firearm.
Firearms have different sizes and they include pistols, AK47, machine guns, anti-aircraft... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Establishes Centre for Control of Arms
28 August 2020
Premium Times (Nigeria)
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a national centre for the control of small arms and light weapons, the national security adviser, Babagana Monguno, said.
The centre will be domiciled under the office of the NSA and efforts are on to give it a legal backing, Mr Monguno told State House reporters Thursday.
He added that the centre will be similar to the counter terrorism centre and the cybersecurity centre, both of which are domiciled under... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian State Sets Up Special Squad on Illegal Firearms
21 August 2020
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mike Okoli, has set up a special squad to mop up illegal firearms in the state.
A statement on Friday by Mr Asinim Butswat, the Police Public Relations Officer, quoted CP Okoli as saying that the initiative was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu.
He said the IGP had specifically directed "commissioners of police to initiate appropriate actions to identify, isolate, disarm,... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Blacksmith Arrested for Illegal Firearms Fabrication
18 August 2020
Premium Times (Nigeria)
Shapraku Umade, a 19-year old blacksmith who specialises in fabricating firearms, has been arrested by police in Lagos, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Hakeem Odumosu, has said.
Mr Umade was arrested alongside two other suspects at the Ajah area of the state during a transaction of illegal firearms. The team transports the firearms from Benue to Lagos State where they sell at the rate of N30,000 each.
According to the Commissioner of Police, "information was... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa,United States,United Kingdom
Gun Trafficking from US to UK Increasing
12 August 2020
New York Times
Handguns are quietly being smuggled into Britain, despite tough gun-control laws. The police fear that the illegal weapons are contributing to a rise in gang-related crime.
NORTHAMPTON, England — Josh Bains was 28 when he was killed after an argument over a drug debt of about $50 just a few miles from the English village where he grew up — with a gun that had traveled thousands of miles from America.
His was one of a rising number of gun deaths in recent years... (GunPolicy.org)
The 2019/20 Crime Stats and Post-Covid19 Violence Prevention in South Africa
4 August 2020
Saferspaces
If it had not been for the national socioeconomic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the emerging corruption scandals associated with funding for relief measures, there most likely would have been a public outcry following the release of the 2019/2020 crime statistics last week. Many South Africans were hoping that with the deployment of the South African Defence Force alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the Cape Flats from 2019, as well... (GunPolicy.org)
New Firearm Amnesty in South Africa
1 August 2020
South African Government
Illegal firearm owners get a second chance with the new Firearm Amnesty period
A new Firearm Amnesty for a period of six months, commencing today, 1 August 2020 until 31 January 2021, has been approved by Parliament during this past week.
The previous amnesty period which was also intended for a period of six months, between December 2019 and May 2020 was thwarted by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, the South African Police Service received a resounding... (GunPolicy.org)
LiNCSA seeks to Register Five Thousand Gun Owners
24 June 2020
Analyst (Liberia)
The Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby II has outlined his vision of the Civilian Arms Registration for hunters to members of the Board of LiNCSA.
In a prepared presentation to members of the Board, Chairman Grigsby said, one of the major reasons for the Civilian Arms Registration is to ensure the control and regulation of both illicit and licit firearms, which remain a huge challenge in Liberia. The Small... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia: Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms
14 April 2020
Front Page Africa (FPA)
The Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform has called on the Liberian Government to adopt a national guideline that will specify the role of state securities in the fight against COVID-19 amid the observance of the state of emergency imposed to stop the spread of the virus.
The CSO Human Rights Platform's statement comes in the wake of reports of violence meted against peaceful citizens by state securities in several parts of the country including Bong,... (GunPolicy.org)
Burkina Faso Arming Civilians to Fight Jihadists
9 March 2020
New Humanitarian
KOUPELA, Burkina Faso
Tirog Seydou wants his government to do a better job at fighting the extremist groups that are plaguing his country and encroaching on his town. But the 42-year-old trader from Burkina Faso worries that a new scheme to provide civilians with weapons is no answer to the well-armed militants.
"It's better to invest in the army than militia," said Seydou, seated at a restaurant in Koupela, a town in the country's Center-East region.
Passed by... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Launches Civilian Arms Registration Exercise
3 February 2020
Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA)
In fulfillment of its mandate, the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), has ended the second phase of its Direct Community Engagements on the Civilian Arms Registration for hunters Campaign with stakeholders in Sinoe, Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties respectively. The essence of the campaign was to raise awareness amongst relevant authorities and the general public in those counties with specific focus on the hunting population.
The Community Engagement... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA)
Liberia Wants Hunters to Register their Guns
3 February 2020
Front Page Africa (FPA)
As part of its core function to control, regulate and prevent the proliferation of Small and Light Weapons in Liberia, and pursuant to Parts II, III & IV of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2016 relating to the possession, registration, licensing and use of the single barrel hunting guns, the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) in collaboration with the Liberia National Police has officially launched the Civilian Arms Registration Exercise... (GunPolicy.org)
Sahel Crisis: Burkina Faso to Arm Civilians Against Militants
3 February 2020
BBC News
The authorities in Burkina Faso, struggling to grapple with a growing wave of Islamist militant attacks that is affecting the region, are planning to give weapons to civilians, as Louise Dewast reports.
The Burkinabe government is under pressure to take new measures to try and curtail the militants.
In January alone, at least 60 people were killed in four separate attacks in the north of the country, with another 20 killed on Sunday.
Members of parliament recently... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Security Bans Display of Firearms in Public
29 January 2020
Daily Independent (Nigeria)
The Commandant General of the corps, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu of NSCDC, has banned members of the Civil Defence armed squad from the display of firearms, especially in public places.
He said this when he paid a condolence visit to the former governor of Imo state and serving Senator Rochas Okorocha to commiserate with him on the demise of an illustrious son of the state.
Abdullahi maintained that the order was necessitated by the need to prevent future occurrences of... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia's 2020 Gun Control Law: The Key Details
10 January 2020
AfricaNews
Ethiopia's parliament passed a new gun control law amid rising deadly violence across the country. The Firearm Administration and Control proclamation, passed into law by the country's upper house of parliament on Thursday, is seen as a key tool to combat insecurity in the country.
The legislation bans private trade in weapons and prescribes tough prison sentences for illegal possession of firearms.
Under the new law:
- An individual can own only one gun.
- The... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia Passes Gun Control Law to Tackle Surge in Violence
9 January 2020
Reuters
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia's parliament passed legislation on Thursday aimed at curbing gun ownership after a surge in regional ethnic violence blamed on a proliferation of small arms in private hands.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government said last April that it had seized 21 machine guns, more than 33,000 handguns, 275 rifles and 300,000 bullets in different parts of the Horn of Africa country over the previous year.
In October security forces confiscated a... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia Passes New Gun Law to Combat Ethnic Violence
9 January 2020
Reuters
ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia's parliament passed legislation on Thursday aimed at curbing gun ownership after a surge in regional ethnic violence blamed on a proliferation of small arms in private hands.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government said last April that it had seized 21 machine guns, more than 33,000 handguns, 275 rifles and 300,000 bullets in different parts of the Horn of Africa country over the previous year.
In October security forces confiscated a further... (GunPolicy.org)
Illicit Arms Sales: Togo Receives Help From France to Combat Illicit Trafficking
7 January 2020
TogoWeb (Togo)
[Translated content]
Togo, through the National Commission for the Fight against the Proliferation, Circulation and Illicit Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons, has been receiving technical support from France in the area of controlling the illicit arms trade since Monday 6 January 2020. At the end of the meeting, the participants will formulate recommendations to strengthen Togo's legal arsenal in terms of controlling the international arms trade.
"This... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia: End Proliferation of Small Arms in ECOWAS Region
28 November 2019
Front Page Africa (FPA)
The 11th Annual National Commissions on Small Arms (NATCOM) meeting of the ECOWAS 15 Member States kicked off Tuesday, November 26, in Monrovia with a call on member states to collaborate to end the proliferation of small arms in West Africa.
Liberia's Chairperson on Small Arms, Att'y Teklo Maxwell Grigsby said hosting the meeting is Liberia is timely because there have been many gains made by the Liberian Small Arms Commission.
He said there is a need to accelerate... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Governor Illegally Imported 1,000 Ak-47 Guns, Two Million Bullets
8 November 2019
Premium Times (Nigeria)
The Nigerian government has confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that a former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, did not get approval to import weapons into Nigeria.
Mr Amosun, a serving senator, requested and received approval for a duty waiver to import only 13 armoured personnel carriers for police operations in Ogun State in 2012, Ben Akabueze, the director-general, Budget Office of the Federation, told PREMIUM TIMES in a recent letter.
The federal government's... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Destroy 20,000 Collected Firearms
4 November 2019
The South African
The last national firearm destruction took place on the 17th of April 2019 wherein over 30 000 firearms were destroyed.
The South African Police Service plans to destroy 20 000 firearms on Tuesday morning by melting them, police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili has announced. The destruction will take place in Vereeniging, Gauteng.
The firearms were seized by, surrendered to and forfeited to the state.
"To stamp the authority of the State the police have to... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Police Destroy Over 30,000 Collected Firearms
17 April 2019
Sunday Times (South Africa)
More than 30,000 firearms were destroyed by the police in Gauteng on Wednesday.
The firearms marked for destruction, at steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal in Vereeniging, had all been "seized, surrendered or forfeited" to the state, said police.
Police minister Bheki Cele was present and said: "Most of the firearms here today were surrendered. It is quite a period since we last destroyed firearms - it last happened late in 2016."
He said around two-thirds of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Licensed Guns and Homicides in Uganda
30 March 2019
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala- At least 16 people have been shot dead by licensed guns since the start of the year, a search through publicly available information shows.
Five of the victims were shot dead by security guards after they were involved in arguments with the guards or were accused of committing crime, while the rest were killed by policemen on accusations of being criminal suspects.
With the killing in cold blood of Ronald Ssebulime last weekend still fresh, however, it is... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Tackles Trafficking of Illicit Small Arms
17 February 2019
New Republic (Liberia)
In the midst of rumors, claims and counter claims regarding assassination plot of President George Weah, the chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LINCSA), Marvin Sarkor has assured Liberians that the country's borders will not be used for trafficking of illicit small arms and light weapons.
According to Sarkor, the people of Liberia have no reason to fear as the commission, he noted, is working tirelessly with her international partners to include... (GunPolicy.org)
Togo to Launch Weapons Marking Operation
9 July 2018
TogoWeb (Togo)
[Translated content]
The Togolese State through its Ministry of Security and Civil Protection wants to launch a national operation to mark the weapons of the security forces. This initiative, financially supported by Japan, is part of the fight against the trafficking of small arms and light weapons in order to guarantee the security of the population.
In case of theft or loss, these weapons will be more easily found, according to General Yark Damehane, Minister of... (GunPolicy.org)
How a Delco Man Sought to Use Stolen U.S. Military Weapons to Wage War in Liberia
28 June 2018
Philadelphia Inquirer
As federal prosecutors in Philadelphia wrapped up their case this week against Thomas Woewiyu – the Collingdale man on trial for allegedly lying to U.S. immigration authorities about his role in Liberia's first protracted and bloody civil war in the '90s – they shifted focus toward examining the part he played in arming rebels led by warlord Charles Taylor.
The deal was negotiated over years in a seedy Miami warehouse, a historic Washington hotel, and even the... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Yemen,China,Israel,Russia,Brazil,United Kingdom,Germany,India,Canada,Austria,Australia,Mexico,United States,Japan,South Africa
How to Buy a Gun in 15 Countries
2 March 2018
New York Times
Many Americans can buy a gun in less than an hour. The process takes months in some countries. Here are the basic steps for how most people buy a gun in 15 of them. Many countries have exceptions for specialized professions, and local laws vary.
United States
1) Pass an instant background check that considers criminal convictions, domestic violence and immigration status.
2) Buy a gun. Many states have additional buying restrictions, including waiting periods and... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudan Collects 30,000 Firearms in Darfur
25 December 2017
Dabanga (Sudan)
The disarmament campaign in North Darfur has not led to the planned results, according to the state's governor, although more than 170 militiamen affiliated with former janjaweed leader Musa Hilal have reportedly been arrested.
Talking to a Darfur local radio on Saturday, Governor Abdelwahid Yousif Ibrahim acknowledged the small number of the weapons collected so far.
He pointed to the spread of huge numbers of arms in North Darfur, and stressed that there is still a... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda to Audit All Police Guns
15 December 2017
Daily Monitor (Uganda)
The Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura has ordered for an audit of all police guns.
In his directive to the in charge of classified stores, Commissioner of Police Good Mwesigwa, Gen Kayihura says the full audit is to start with all police pistols.
He has also demanded for a full accountability of all police pistols and other firearms adding that a computerized register of all the guns be developed.
In a letter dated December 13, 2017, Gen Kayihura also... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa,Ghana,Côte d'Ivoire,Nigeria,Mali,Burkina Faso,Sierra Leone
Homemade Firearms Fuel Conflict in West Africa
18 October 2017
ENACT Observer
The trafficking and illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is often discussed in the context of fuelling instability and insecurity in West Africa. Rarely, however, do these conversations give appropriate attention to the issue of locally manufactured weapons.
The production of firearms by local artisans is not new to the region. It has existed in many countries (e.g. Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal,... (GunPolicy.org)
More firearms destroyed in Malanje, Angola
3 October 2017
Voa Portugues
Since 2014 more than 7,000 firearms have been removed from circulation in the 14 municipalities
In the Angolan province of Malanje, 2,612 firearms were destroyed in recent days, in a ceremony headed by the outgoing deputy governor for the political and social sector, Manuel campo.
Dozens of crimes committed every month in Malanje are committed with illegal firearms.
The coordinator of the Provincial Technical Sub-Commission for Disarming the Civilian Population,... (GunPolicy.org)
Abuja Police Uncover Illegal Firearm Factory
14 August 2017
Premium Times (Nigeria)
The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Sadiq Bello, said the Command has arrested three suspects in connection with an illegal firearm fabricating factory in Shenagu village near Zuba, FCT.
The suspects are: Philip John, owner of the factory, Onyegabueze Okpara, supplier of ammunitions and Joseph Bulus, distributor of the arms.
Mr. Bello made the disclosure while briefing journalists on arrest by operatives of the command on Friday in Abuja.
He said that items... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudanese Government to Initiate Collection Campaign for Illegal Firearms
7 August 2017
Dabanga (Sudan)
This week, Second Vice-President Hasabo Abdelrahman will chair the first meeting with the five governors of Darfur about the disarmament campaign scheduled to start before the end of this year.
The Governor of North Darfur, Abdelwahid Yousif, said in a press statement on Sunday that Abdelrahman would arrive in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur, today, to discuss the state's plan for the collection of unlicensed arms with the governors of the five states of... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Botswana,Cook Islands,Fiji,Iceland,Ireland,Kiribati,Malawi,Marshall Islands,Nauru,New Zealand,Niue,Norway,Samoa,Solomon Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,United Kingdom,Vanuatu,Virgin Islands (US)
The 19 Countries That Do Not Arm Their Police Officers
19 July 2017
CNN
A woman who called 911 to report a nearby crime was killed by a US police officer last weekend. The circumstances surrounding her death are still unclear.
The fatal shooting of Justine Ruszczyk, a dual Australian-US national who had settled in Minnesota in 2014, has made headlines in both her native Australia and her adopted home in Minneapolis – once again reigniting the all too familiar debate surrounding the role that firearms play in both law enforcement and in... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Raises Firearm Licence Fees in Uganda
25 April 2017
Observer (Kampala)
Government has increased license fees for individuals and companies importing firearms into the country.
Estimates of non-tax revenue (NTR) rates tabled before Parliament by the finance ministry show that gun importers and owners will part with Shs 5 million each.
Currently, any company which seeks a permit to acquire or import a firearm pays Shs 1 million per year. A private security company also pays Shs 200,000 for an application to import or acquire firearms.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Fight Against Arms Proliferation in Mauritania
12 April 2017
Authentique (Mauriania)
[Translated content]
The Public Authority has finally decided to act to curb the circulation and trade of arms in the country and particularly in Nouakchott! This is at least what we have learned from reliable sources. This was prompted by the death last week of a young resident of the Moughataa of Ryadh as a result of the explosion of a grenade he was handling, but also by the arrest last week of an officer of the National Guard, accused of having supplemented a... (GunPolicy.org)
Americas,Asia,Europe,Africa,Oceania
Nous sommes désolés, mais Gun Policy News doit fermer [FR]
3 December 2016
GunPolicy.org, Letter
Chers lecteurs,
Garder Gun Policy Actualités en ligne a toujours été une bataille. Nos bulletins quotidiens ont été lancés il y a maintenant 18 ans, mais 40 000 articles plus tard, j'ai été obligé de me séparer de mon équipe multilingue, simplement pour cause de manque de fonds.
Aujourd'hui, je suis au regret de vous annoncer la fin de tous les flux de Gun Policy Actualités sur Twitter, Facebook, les courriels de groupes et nos flux RSS, reçus par des... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,Africa,Americas,Asia,Europe,Australia
Lo Sentimos, Pero Gun Policy News Debe Cerrar [ES]
3 December 2016
GunPolicy.org, Letter
Estimados lectores,
Siempre ha sido una batalla mantener a Gun Policy News online. Nuestros boletines diarios de noticias comenzaron hace 18 años, pero 40.000 artículos más tarde me he visto obligado a dejar ir a nuestro personal multilingüe, simplemente por falta de fondos.
Hoy, me temo que todos los servidores de Twitter, páginas de Facebook, grupos de correo electrónico y los servidores de noticias RSS de Gun Policy News a numerosos lectores en español,... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,Asia,Americas,Africa,Europe
Sorry, But Gun Policy News Must Close
3 December 2016
Gun Policy News, Letter
Dear readers,
It's always been a battle to keep Gun Policy News online. Our daily news bulletins began 18 years ago, but 40,000 articles later I've been obliged to lay off our multilingual staff, simply for lack of funding.
Today I regret that all Gun Policy News Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, E-mail groups and RSS news feeds to many thousands of readers in Spanish, French and English must cease.
GunPolicy.org, the parent Web site of Gun Policy News, will remain... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Killing Sparks New Gun Rules in Morocco [FR]
25 November 2016
Yabiladi (Morocco)
[Translated summary: Following human rights protests after police killed two criminals in Morocco, the General Directorate for National Security has given new instructions regarding the use of service firearms. Guns must be the last resort and police officers must aim for the limbs, except in the case of terrorist attack or resistance to the authorities.]
Suite au décès de deux « délinquants » tombés sous les balles de la police à Béni Mellal et Salé, les... (GunPolicy.org)
New Gun Law in Cameroon Bans Homemade Firearms [FR]
23 November 2016
237 Online (Cameroon)
[Translated summary: The National Defence and Security Committee of Cameroon has examined a new firearm and ammunition bill. The new regulations include the prohibition of homemade firearms and mandatory marking for better tracing.]
L'Economie du projet de loi examinée à la Commission de la défense nationale et de la sécurité.
La Commission de la défense nationale et de la sécurité a, vendredi dernier, en présence du ministre de la Défense, examiné le... (GunPolicy.org)
Uganda Destroys 6,000 Illegal Guns
21 November 2016
K FM (Uganda)
In an effort to reduce the amount of illicit arms, the government has today destroyed 6000 small arms and weapons collected by police in a nationwide exercise.
In his speech during the exercise in Bukasa, Wakiso District, the state minister for internal affairs Mario Obigo Kania said such arms pose a major security threat if poorly managed and stored.
He also added that improving human security shouldn't be a responsibility of only the security agencies but also... (GunPolicy.org)
Namibia Extends Gun Amnesty for Another Three Months [FR]
17 November 2016
Africa Posts
[Translated summary: The Namibian firearms and ammunition amnesty that was initially going to last three months has been extended until 18 February, 2017. Since the start of the program, 925 firearms, 44,000 ammunition and 66 explosives have been recovered.]
WINDHOEK — L'amnistie de trois mois sur les armes à feu et les munitions en Namibie, initialement censée avoir pris fin vendredi, a été prolongée jusqu'au 18 février 2017.
Le responsable des relations... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa Terror Groups Get Guns from Syria and Iraq - Study
17 November 2016
PJ Media (US)
A report issued this month tracking the flow of weapons across Libya and the Sahel revealed that terror groups operating in West Africa are getting much more than just inspiration from terror hubs in Iraq and Syria.
The study by UK-based Conflict Armament Research, an independent organization that tracks the flow of conventional weapons and materiel, found that weapons stockpiles remaining from the nearly 42-year dictatorship of Moammar Gadhafi have migrated as far as... (GunPolicy.org)
Report Sheds Light on the Origin of Guns in the Sahel [FR]
16 November 2016
Libération (France)
[Translated summary: Conflict Armament Research has published a report about gun transfers in the Sahel region in which they analyse stocks of firearms and ammunition seized from traffickers and combatants. They concluded that Libya is no longer the main source of illegal firearms; Côte d'Ivoire and Sudan have the biggest stocks of guns in the region, but Chinese and Russian firearms are also common.]
Une enquête minutieuse du Conflict Armement Research apporte un... (GunPolicy.org)
Algeria Seizes Many Guns at Tunisian and Libyan Borders [FR]
16 November 2016
Réalités (Tunisia)
[Translated summary: Algerian Customs have seized a large number of firearms at the borders with Tunisia and Libya. The guns are very sophisticated and equipped with new technologies. They belong to trafficking networks and terrorists from Libya, where there are 20,000 illegal firearms in circulation.]
Les services de la Douane algérienne ont intensifié récemment leur présence au niveau des frontières avec le Maroc et la Tunisie et ce en ayant recours à d'autres... (GunPolicy.org)
5,250 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Kenya [FR]
15 November 2016
Africa News
[Translated summary: Kenya has burned 5,250 firearms as part of a campaign to fight poaching and robberies and to eliminate terrorism. The destroyed firearms were seized in police operations or recovered in disarmament exercises. Citizens have also been urged to register their firearms.]
Le vice-président kenyan, William Ruto, a incité ce mardi les autorités à brûler 5.250 armes légères.
Ceci s'inscrit dans le cadre des efforts déployés pour lutter contre... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Destroys 5,250 Seized Guns to Slow Armed Violence
15 November 2016
Washington Post, Associated Press
NAIROBI — Kenya's deputy president on Tuesday set ablaze more than 5,250 firearms seized by authorities to discourage the circulation of illegal weapons in a country battling extremist violence.
Deputy President William Ruto presided over the burning of rifles and pistols in three stacks about 15 feet high. They were recovered in this East African country over the past nine years, Ruto said.
Most of the firearms were collected through voluntary surrender, others... (GunPolicy.org)
Senegal Has Issued 1,000 New Gun Licences This Year [FR]
3 November 2016
Senxibar (Senegal)
[Translated summary: To own a firearm in Senegal, applicants must provide a copy of their national ID, criminal record, health certificate, 4 photographs, pay a fee of 2,000 francs and pass an interview to see if their activities are dangerous and establish their need for a firearm. According to official data, 1,000 licences have been issued so far in 2016.]
La sécurité oui,… la tradition et le prestige aussi
La sécurité est le premier motif invoqué pour... (GunPolicy.org)
Four Ghana Regions Main Hubs of Illegal Gun Possession
30 October 2016
Ghana Web
The three Northern Regions and the Ashanti Region have been identified as the hub for the haulage of large cache of illegal weapons in the country with the Ashanti region serving as a major user and transit point across the country and beyond, a baseline study on the proliferation of small arms in the country has revealed.
The study further revealed that while analysis of the distribution of ownership of these arms with respect to age was more concentrated in ages... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Destroy 23,000 Illegal Firearms [ES]
29 October 2016
Prensa Latina (Havana)
[Translated summary: Around 23,000 seized, illegal firearms have been destroyed by South African police. It is estimated that 9,200 of these guns were related to crime. Each day, an average of 18 people die by gunshot in South Africa. The minimum age to own a firearm is 21. The number of guns per person is limited and a firearm licence must be periodically renewed.]
Pretoria -- Unas 23 mil armas de fuego ilegales confiscadas por la Policía sudafricana fueron... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Seized 250 Guns During a Single Raid in Cape Town
28 October 2016
IOL (South Africa)
Tshwane - The South African Police Service on Friday seized over 250 firearms, ammunition and an undisclosed amount of money at a premises in Valhalla Park, Cape Town, acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane said.
Addressing media in Pretoria on Friday evening, Phahlane said crime scene experts were still at the area, and processing the seized items.
"We would like to congratulate the Western Cape police who, during an intelligence-led... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 1,200 People Allegedly Shot Dead by Police in Kenya
28 October 2016
al Jazeera
Kenyan police have been accused of more than 1,200 shooting deaths over the past five years amid calls for the government to investigate extrajudicial killings and disappearances.
Only one police officer in Kenya has been successfully prosecuted and imprisoned for an unlawful killing in the last three years, according to the local group Independent Medico-Legal Unit, which monitors police violence.
New York-based Human Rights Watch has also highlighted at least 34... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Makes Case at UN Against Abuse of Illicit Guns
27 October 2016
Ghana Web
Ghana has told the United Nations that the proliferation and abuse of conventional weapons, particularly Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their ammunition continue to undermine world peace and security as well as sustainable development.
It argued that the supplies of SALW to non-state actors in a volatile world which is experiencing significant fragility, organized crime and terrorism is not the route to take by those truly committed to sustainable peace and... (GunPolicy.org)
Germany,France,Algeria,Saudi Arabia,Yemen,Iraq
Germany's Arms Exports Rise to 4.03 Billion Euros [FR]
26 October 2016
Les Echos (France)
[Translated summary: Germany's arms exports rose to 4.03 billion euros in the first six months of 2016, an increase of 15% in relation to the same period last year. Germany sells to Algeria and Saudi Arabia, a country that is in a controversial war with Yemen, but the Ministry of Economy explains that they have particularly restrictive rules.]
Les crises internationales profitent aux industriels allemands de l'armement. Selon les chiffres publiés mercredi par le... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Saudi Arabia,South Korea,United Kingdom,Germany,Algeria,Switzerland,Netherlands,United Arab Emirates,Turkey,France
Germany Defends Its Sudden Leap in Gun, Ammo Exports [ES]
26 October 2016
Deutsche Welle
[Translated summary: Between January and June 2016, Germany exported firearms and military equipment amounting to €4 billion; an increase of 500 million in relation to the same period in 2015. The government defended its firearm export policy, saying that it's restrictive and transparent and assuring that they give a "special relevance" to the respect of human rights.]
Entre enero y junio de 2016 Alemania concedió permisos de exportación de armas y equipamiento... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia 'Has Marked 90%' of Guns Located by Government
26 October 2016
Liberia News Agency
An official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says Liberia is far ahead of some of the member states when it comes to the collection and marking of arms in the region.
According to her, about 90 percent of arms collected in Liberia have been marked, with just 10 percent remaining.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Halima Ahmed, made the disclosure recently when she paid a courtesy call on Liberia's Foreign... (GunPolicy.org)
Namibia: 812 Illegal Firearms Surrendered in Gun Amnesty
24 October 2016
Namibian (Windhoek)
More than 660 firearms were surrendered in the Khomas region as part of the firearms and ammunition amnesty declared at the end of August this year.
The amnesty ends on 18 November.
Omusati is second on the list with 31 firearms surrendered, while //Karas where 29 firearms were surrendered, is third; and Otjozondjupa with 27 is fourth.
At the top of the surrendered ammunition is Otjozondjupa with 4 386; followed by Oshikoto with 2 790, and Ohangwena with 2 022.
Ten... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Police Destroy Another 23,000 Firearms [FR]
21 October 2016
La Revue de l'Afrique
[Translated summary: South African police have destroyed 22,999 firearms, most of them seized from criminals. 3,156 were police guns that were no longer operational. Among them were revolvers, pistols, hunting rifles and assault rifles. Police are sure that destruction will contribute to the security of the country, which sees an average of 16 gun deaths each day.]
La police sud-africaine a conduit hier une opération médiatisée de destruction massive d'armes à feu.... (GunPolicy.org)
Israel Gun Trade 'Helping to Fuel South Sudan War,' Says UN
20 October 2016
Times of Israel
A United Nations panel of experts found evidence of "well-established networks" of arms suppliers in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, including from Israel, that are fueling the war in South Sudan.
In a confidential report to the Security Council obtained by AFP on Thursday, the panel described the arms deals that are not recent and involve Israeli and Bulgarian firms.
The Council has threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan to try to end the fighting... (GunPolicy.org)
Italy,Russia,Moldova,Libya,Ukraine
Jihadi Tomb Raiders, Italian Mafia Sell Antiquities for ISIS Guns
18 October 2016
Daily Beast (USA)
A fuzzy photo shows the decapitated marble head of an ancient Roman statue; the grainy image is standing in for the gilded sales bills usually displayed in the world's finest auction houses. There are no certificates of authenticity or patrimony for these artifacts either, just maps with red markings.
This is no ordinary art show.
The maps in question show ancient Roman and Greek tombs that have been pillaged in Libya. These artifacts have been put on the market by... (GunPolicy.org)
New Gun Licence and Hidden Handgun Fees in Gabon [FR]
16 October 2016
Gabon Review
[Translated summary: There are an estimated 190,000 firearms (licit and illicit) in the hands of civilians in Gabon. Recently, the government adopted a new decree that sets the fee for firearm licences and hidden handgun carry permits. The aim is to reduce the number of homicides, which was 148 in 2012.]
L'utilisation des armes à feu par des civils dans certaines localités du pays lors des émeutes postélectorales fait réfléchir le gouvernement. Avec un arsenal... (GunPolicy.org)
UN Approved Arms Imports: Guns Resold in Somalia Markets
11 October 2016
New York Times, Reuters
Many guns imported by the Somali government with U.N. approval are being resold by arms dealers on the black market in the nation's capital Mogadishu, two Western diplomats said.
Such sales violate a three-year-old deal which exempted government weapons imports from a U.N. arms embargo. The U.N. Security Council partially lifted it in 2013 to equip government forces fighting al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militants.
The United Nations imposed a blanket arms embargo on... (GunPolicy.org)
Cape Town Cuts Gun Violence With High-tech ShotSpotter [FR]
7 October 2016
Agence Ecofin (Switzerland)
[Translated summary: A total of 71 firearm incidents have been registered in Cape Town in September, while 128 were registered in August and 211 in July. The reduction is due to the implementation of ShotSpotter, a high-tech acoustic detection system which allows police to arrive quickly at the scene of a shooting.]
La semaine dernière, la ville sud-africaine de Cape Town a dressé un premier bilan de son utilisation du système numérique ShotSpotter, dans sa lutte... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana 'Safer' After 1,800 of 1 million Illicit Guns Are Registered
5 October 2016
Pulse (Ghana)
Ghana is now safe after a successful registration of almost 1,800 illicit weapons across the country, Minister of the Interior Prosper Bani has said.
"Today, I can say citizens of this country are safer by way of having 1,796 weapons being registered or re-registered. It means that the security agencies have a record of these legal firearms in circulation in this country," Mr Bani said.
The registration of the 1,800 illicit weapons means that a little fewer than 1.1... (GunPolicy.org)
How UN Arms Embargoes in African Countries Can Be Effective
4 October 2016
Institute for Security Studies (Africa)
Arms embargoes are the most common type of sanction currently applied by the United Nations (UN), and one of the five main types of targeted or smart sanctions (others are diplomatic sanctions, travel bans, asset freezes and commodity interdiction).
The key aim of smart sanctions is to raise the regime's costs of non-compliance (with the sanctions) without bringing about the wider suffering often associated with comprehensive sanctions, such as trade bans.
How... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Police Kill 140+ in 2015: Other Countries Patrol Unarmed
2 October 2016
Daily Nation (Nairobi), Report
When it comes to killings, Kenya police has few equals: They kill more people in days than other countries do in years, a Nation Newsplex analysis reveals.
Studies around the world have linked the number and rate of police killings to factors such as whether police are armed all the time, gun ownership rates, adherence to police guidelines firearms use, quality of training offered to police recruits and poverty levels.
With a police killing rate of 3.2 per million... (GunPolicy.org)
South African Police Seized 85 Guns in Anti-Gang Campaign
28 September 2016
Herald Live (South Africa)
A massive police bust has netted 29 suspected gangsters – among them alleged gang bosses – and more than R1-million worth of drugs
The two-day operation saw a series of raids on drug hotspots across Port Elizabeth and other towns.
It involved 250 police officials and 26 K9 unit members and was part of the anti-gang campaign Operation Lockdown, which has been in full swing since March.
Police top brass hailed the operation yesterday as a success.
They also... (GunPolicy.org)
80% of Legal Guns in Africa End Up on the Black Market [FR]
27 September 2016
Le Soleil (Senegal)
[Translated summary: To ensure safety, African countries buy their guns through legal channels. However, 80% of these arms are diverted, stolen or transferred by corrupt intermediaries, according to Marc Finand, member of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. He estimates that 150 million firearms circulate in the continent.]
Pour assurer leur sécurité, les Etats achètent des armes via des canaux légaux. Cependant, en Afrique, 80% de ses armes se retrouvent, par... (GunPolicy.org)
Africa Arms Trafficking Caused 3,783 Deaths, Says Senegal [FR]
26 September 2016
Sen 360 (France)
[Translated summary: The trade in conventional arms has caused 3,783 deaths in Africa between 2006 and 2014, according to the director of the Cabinet Ministry of the Armed Forces of Senegal. Senegal is one of the African countries that signed and ratified the Arms Trade Treaty.]
Le commerce des armes classiques, notamment les armes de petit calibre a causé entre 2006 et 2014, 3783 décès en Afrique, a affirmé lundi à Dakar, Demba Diouf, directeur de Cabinet du... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Amnesty Operation Launched in French Réunion [FR]
19 September 2016
France TV Info
[Translated summary: An amnesty operation has begun in the French Indian Ocean territory of Réunion. Citizens are invited to surrender their firearms, without any sanction until December 15. In past operations, 820 firearms and 31,053 rounds of ammunition were collected in Martinique, and 86 firearms and 3,800 rounds of ammunition in French Polynesia.]
Le but est de réduire le nombre d'armes en circulation de façon illégale à La Réunion. Les particuliers sont... (GunPolicy.org)
Morocco: Police Must Use Guns More to Fight Crime [FR]
18 September 2016
Le 360 (Morocco)
[Translated summary: To face an increase in crime, Moroccan police will be required to use their firearms more often. Police sources explain that this is a right they haven't employed until now because the level of crime in Morocco was not as high as in other countries. Morocco has around 50,000 police officers and most of them carry Beretta pistols and HK machine guns.]
Pour faire face à la montée de la criminalité, la police marocaine serait désormais appelée à... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Calls for a 'Full Amnesty' for Small Arms
12 September 2016
New Dawn (Liberia)
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has by proclamation declared unconditionally and without reservation, that all persons who, shall surrender small arms and light weapons under the ECOWAS – EU Weapons collection program in Grand Gedeh, Maryland and River Gee Counties within the stipulated project time frame, will be given full Amnesty for the offence of illegal possession, use and supply of fire arms and objects for lethal use against the Republic of Liberia with the... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Declares Full Amnesty for All Who Surrender Guns
11 September 2016
Front Page Africa
Monrovia - President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has by proclamation declared unconditionally and without reservation, that all persons who, shall surrender small arms and light weapons under the ECOWAS - EU Weapons collection program.
In Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and River Gee Counties the project will give full Amnesty for the offence of illegal possession, use, and supply of fire arms and objects for lethal use against the Republic of Liberia with the restoration of all... (GunPolicy.org)
Brazil,Colombia,Mexico,Venezuela,United States,India,Nigeria,South Africa,El Salvador
World is Far Less Violent: Global Murders Halving in a Decade
7 September 2016
Foreign Affairs (USA)
The world has never been safer than it is right now. Most forms of violence have dropped precipitously over the past few centuries. Although conflict deaths recently spiked (the war in Syria accounts for one third of all war-related killings today), fewer people are dying from warfare than at virtually any time in human history. Terrorist violence also increased over the past two years—especially in six countries the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia—but it still... (GunPolicy.org)
Weapon Amnesty Retrieves 850 of 1.1m Illicit Guns in Ghana
6 September 2016
Ghana Web
Government has retrieved over 850 guns from the illicit weapon market, Small Arms Commission has revealed.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Jones Apleh, says even though the number is significantly small compared to the estimated 1.1 million unlicensed weapons in private hands, it should excite Ghanaians.
"Even if one is taken out of the illicit market we are happy about that. We think that 855 guns retrieved is a good number and it is something that we need to... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Owner Negligence Prompts Namibia to Control Firearms
5 September 2016
Namibian (Windhoek)
Gun owners who lose their weapons in a negligent manner will not get their licences back easily, police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga said last week.
Announcing a firearms amnesty in Windhoek on Friday, Ndeitunga said the government and the safety ministry are concerned over the proliferation of illegal firearms, ammunition and armaments discovered by the police during operations conducted nationwide.
The firearms amnesty gives those with illegal firearms,... (GunPolicy.org)
United Kingdom,United States,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Switzerland
Arms Trade Treaty Conference Focused Only on Bureaucracy
31 August 2016
Stimson Center (USA)
In a meeting that symbolized a stark contrast between the humanitarian crises occurring around the world and the comfortable and scenic gathering of governments committed to stopping irresponsible arms transfers, more than 500 people representing Arms Trade Treaty States Parties, signatories, industry, and civil society representatives met in Geneva from August 22-26 for the Second Conference of States Parties (CSP2) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The ATT is the first... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Switzerland,European Union,Egypt,Saudi Arabia,Yemen,Bahrain,United Arab Emirates,Qatar,Kuwait,Lebanon,Jordan
Arms Trade Treaty Member Nations Flout Gun Trade Rules [FR]
26 August 2016
SwissInfo
[Translated summary: Many countries that have signed the Arms Trade Treaty continue to ignore the rules. Only Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden have been completely transparent about their trade. US, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France and Italy continue to sell arms to Egypt which translates into the torture and death of hundreds of people.]
Disposer d'un traité sur le commerce des armes, c'est bien. Encore faut-il qu'il soit respecté. Pour Amnesty International, trop... (GunPolicy.org)
429 Guns Destroyed During Buyback Operation in Congo [FR]
24 August 2016
Radio Okapi (Kinshasa)
[Translated summary: Authorities of the province of Haut-Katanga (Congo) have destroyed 429 firearms of different calibres. These arms were recovered in three months during an on-going civilian disarming operation on which the owners were rewarded with motorcycles, bikes and other goods.]
Les autorités de la province du Haut-Katanga ont détruit, mardi 23 août, environ 429 armes à feu de différents calibres, dans la cité de Kilwa, située à plus de 350 km de... (GunPolicy.org)
Saudi Arabia,Afghanistan,Bulgaria,Italy,Syria,Czech Republic,Iran,Libya,Yemen,United Kingdom,Ukraine,United States,South Sudan,France
World Powers Accused of Violating Arms Trade Treaty [ES]
23 August 2016
IPS Noticias
[Translated summary: Human Rights organisations and military analysts accuse the United States, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France and Italy of violating the Arms Trade Treaty by selling to countries in conflict. Experts say that effectively implementing the treaty could save millions of lives.]
NACIONES UNIDAS - Los grandes proveedores de armamento violan el tratado que regula su comercio y que se propone frenar el flujo de armas pequeñas y ligeras hacia las zonas de... (GunPolicy.org)
Yemen,Syria,South Sudan,United States,Bulgaria,Czech Republic,France,Italy,Egypt,Ukraine,Moldova,Slovakia,United Kingdom,Saudi Arabia,Germany,Spain
UN: No Tolerance for States Who Flout Arms Trade Treaty
22 August 2016
Amnesty International (London)
- States Parties [countries] still engaging in unscrupulous arms transfers, putting lives and human rights at risk
- More than a quarter of States Parties are yet to meet the treaty's reporting obligations
- Some States Parties opting to reject public scrutiny of their arms transfers
States must ensure the global Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) lives up to its promise to save lives and protect human rights from the devastating effects of the international arms trade by taking... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,China,Germany,United Kingdom,France,Russia,Spain,Italy,Israel,India,Saudi Arabia,United Arab Emirates,Pakistan,Australia,Turkey,Singapore,South Korea,South Sudan,Ukraine
Killer Facts: The Scale of the Global Arms Trade, Gun Totals
22 August 2016
Amnesty International (London)
Transfers of heavy conventional weapons
The top 10 exporters of conventional arms (excluding small arms/ light weapons – SALW) 2010-15
USA: US$55.006 billion
Russia: US$42.404 billion
China: US$9.943 billion
Germany: US$ 9.467 billion
France: US$ 8.932 billion
UK: US$ 7.627 billion
Spain: US$ 5.310 billion
Italy: US$ 4.360 billion
Ukraine: US$ 4.156 billion
Israel: US$ 3.280 billion
The top 10 importers of conventional arms (excluding SALWs) 2010-15
India:... (GunPolicy.org)
New Amendments to Toughen Firearm Licensing in Namibia
17 August 2016
New Era (Namibia)
Over the years Namibia has seen a steady escalation in violent crimes ranging from suicide to so-called crimes of passion that have resulted in hundreds of lives lost. Many of these incidents are attributed to the fact that too many people can too easily easily buy guns of their choice.
Now proposed new amendments to the Arms and Ammunition Act are expected to make it harder to acquire a firearm license, especially small arms, like pistols. Amongst others, the new... (GunPolicy.org)
Expert Says Yet Another Gun Amnesty Will Fail in Ghana
16 August 2016
Joy Online (Ghana)
A Security Analyst says a 32-day amnesty granted by government to persons in possession of unlicensed weapons to voluntarily turn in the weapons would not yield the desired result.
Dr Kwesi Aning, who is with the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Center, said just like two similar initiatives undertaken by government in the past, the current intervention will also fail.
"It is not going to make any difference. What is the basis for the amnesty? The people who smuggled... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Launches 32-day Amnesty for Unregistered Guns
16 August 2016
Joy Online (Ghana)
In a bid to control arm possession by individuals as the country heads to the 2016 general election, the government has declared a 32- day amnesty to help retrieve all unlicensed guns in the country.
The intervention which spans from August 22 to September 23 would afford Ghanaians in possession of unregistered arms to either get them registered or turn them in to the police.
This decision was announced by the Interior Minister, Prosper Bani when he addressed a news... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia Hopes to Control Illegal Firearms with New Gun Law
14 August 2016
The Ethiopian Herald
INTERVIEW
Ethiopia has prepared a draft proclamation to control illicit flow of small arms and light weapons. Last week, EPA reporters have held an exclusive interview with Haneta Geberemedhin, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Police Commission and adviser to the commissioner regarding the objective and expected outcomes of the draft proclamation. Excerpts:
- Guns are owned [by citizens/individuals] both legally and illegally in our country. How does that come up? What... (GunPolicy.org)
Spain Seizes Shipment of Swiss Assault Rifles Destined for US
12 August 2016
Spanish News Today
The Guardia Civil and the Spanish customs authorities have seized a shipment of 809 firearms which were bound for the USA at the port of Algeciras in the province of Cádiz (Andalucía).
The weapons confiscated on 4th August were 737 assault rifles and 72 grenade launchers made in Switzerland, and the shipment which arrived from Ghana is now under investigation by the authorities in Algeciras.
No arrests have yet been made, and one of the reasons for the firearms... (GunPolicy.org)
Of 500 Million Illegal Guns in West Africa, 70% Are in Nigeria
11 August 2016
Daily Trust (Abuja), Editorial
At the National Consultation on Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) in Abuja, organized by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM), it was revealed that Nigeria hosts 350 million or 70 per cent of the 500 million illegal arms in West Africa.
UNREC's director, Ms Olatokunbo Ige, provided the statistics during the consultation in Abuja and said... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Registration, Amnesty Launched in Two Libyan Cities
11 August 2016
Libya Herald
In a move driven possibly more by hope than expectation, the military police in Marj have unveiled a gun amnesty programme for residents to encourage them to hand over their weapons or register them.
Those in possession of firearms have 30 days in which to hand them in if they are heavy weapons, or register them for their personal protection, if they are classed as "light".
The move follows a similar one in Tobruk, where residents have until 15 September to hand in or... (GunPolicy.org)
UN Says 70% of Illegal Guns in West Africa Are in Nigeria
3 August 2016
Vanguard (Lagos)
ABUJA — The United Nations has raised alarm over proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Nigeria, with over 350 million.
According to the organisation, 70 per cent of estimated 500 million of such weapons said to be circulating in West Africa is domiciled in the country.
Director of United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, UNREC, Ms. Olatokunbo Ige, gave this startling statistics at the ongoing National... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,West Asia,Asia,Americas,Africa,United States
Global Mass Shooting Study Uses Bad Methodology - Critics
28 July 2016
Fox News (USA)
A much-heralded and widely cited study of 171 countries over nearly a half century purports to show more guns mean more mass shootings, but critics say the report uses bad methodology in a way that rigs the results.
The study by Adam Lankford, a criminal justice professor at the University of Alabama, was published in the journal Violence and Victims in January and has been cited by media outlets -- including The New Yorker, The Washington Post and Time magazine. But... (GunPolicy.org)
Rwanda,Kenya,Tanzania,Burundi,Uganda
Armed Violence and Illegal Guns in East Africa - Recent Study
26 July 2016
New Times (Rwanda)
East African Community (EAC) member countries are meeting in Kigali for a validation workshop on the study by the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) on the status of armed crimes in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The report dubbed 'Analysis of Armed Crime Rates' released yesterday, in Kigali was conducted between 2010 and March 2016 with the support of African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to the report, Rwanda registered 421 cases related to... (GunPolicy.org)
Ukraine,Russia,Iraq,Syria,Libya
Ukraine Once Again a Trove for Black Market Gun Trafficking
25 July 2016
New York Times, Reuters
SLOVIANSK/MOSCOW — On Feb. 12 last year, the same day that a ceasefire ended the worst of the fighting in eastern Ukraine between rebels and government forces, a former rebel fighter seized a chance to turn his inside knowledge of the conflict into hard cash.
He traveled to a spot on the Russian-Ukrainian border where he retrieved a cache of weapons hidden there earlier by his comrades in the pro-Russian rebel movement.
Four days later, shortly before 6:00 p.m., he... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Verification Exercise in Tanzania Registers 14,000 Firearms
22 July 2016
Tanzania Daily News
Over 14,000 firearms have been verified in the past three months, the exercise that helped to collect 198.8m/- as fee for such weapons.
In March, this year, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paul Makonda, issued a three-month ultimatum to owners of firearms in the regions to surrender their weapons to the police for verification.
During the exercise a total of 11,602 owners surrendered their weapons for verifications despite some challenges during the... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Police Seize Firearms and Ammunition
18 July 2016
Parliament of South Africa (Cape Town)
The Portfolio Committee on Police has lauded the renewed focus on illegal guns by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and believes such is necessary and should be supported.
Committee Chairperson, Mr Francois Beukman, said the recent operations by the Hawks in Morningside in Durban, Vanderbijlpark and Dawn Park where they seized illegal guns and arrested suspects is critical in ensuring that illegal firearms are removed from the streets.
"The DPCI... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Ongoing Registration of Illegal Guns Reaches 29
18 July 2016
Hivisasa (Kenya)
The ongoing registration of illegally acquired firearms has received a major boost after six herders from Garissa County surrendered their unlicensed rifles to the government for registration by the relevant county security teams.
According to Garbatula police boss, Kioko Nyamai, the move is expected to expansively trigger a popular desire by other pastoralist groups to register their firearms and further dispel the fears of being disarmed or victimised.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa Far-Right Leader Arrested for Gun Possession
15 July 2016
Eyewitness News (South Africa)
JOHANNESBURG – The Hawks have arrested the leader of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB) in the Vaal for possession of firearms and ammunition.
The 48-year-old was arrested at a house in Vereeniging, where he was found with eight unlicensed firearms and more than 2,000 rounds of different calibre ammunition.
Yesterday, another member of the party was arrested in Vanderbijlpark, in possession of nine rifles and three pistols.
The two will appear in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Amnesty Discussed for Unlicensed Gun Owners in Ghana
14 July 2016
Graphic (Ghana)
The National Small Arms Commission (NSAC) says it is working with the security agencies to consider offering amnesty to people who possess unlicensed guns as part of a strategy to mop up the 1.1 million illicit arms in the country.
"The records suggest that when people have their weapons legally registered, they normally don't use them in committing crime and always keep an eye on them," the Executive Director of the commission, Mr Jones Applerh, told the Daily... (GunPolicy.org)
1,300 Guns Destroyed in Ghana, 1.1 Million Still in Wrong Hands
11 July 2016
Graphic Online (Ghana)
The National Small Arms Commission (NSAC) last Saturday destroyed 1,300 illegal guns in the country but warned that there were still more than 1.1 million of such firearms and light weapons that might be in wrong hands.
The guns, which were marked and broken before being set on fire, included locally made single- and double-barrelled shotguns, locally made and imported pistols, pump action guns and local mortars.
The number of illegal firearms in wrong hands means that... (GunPolicy.org)
Ethiopia,Kenya,Burundi,Tanzania,Rwanda,Uganda
Kenya's Private Gun Ownership the Largest in East Africa
11 July 2016
East African (Nairobi)
Kenya has the largest number of guns in civilian hands in eastern Africa amid rising gun attacks while Rwanda has the least, a global survey shows.
Data from Sidney-based GunPolicy.org, a website backed by the United Nations, puts the estimated number of guns possessed by Kenyan civilians at about 680,000, comprising licit and illicit firearms.
Tanzania has 550,000 guns in private hands, Uganda (400,000), Ethiopia (320,000), Burundi (100,000) and 58,000 for... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 67,000 Illegal Firearms Destroyed in Angola
10 July 2016
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
NAMIBE — Sixty-seven thousand of 102,027 fire arms so far collected from the civil population countrywide have been destroyed, said Saturday in southwest Namibe province the second general commander of National Police chief commissioner, Paulo de Almeida.
Also coordinator of National Technical Sub-Commission for Civilian Disarmament, Paulo de Almeida was speaking at the central event of the International Small Arms Destruction Day, on July 9.
The senior police... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 200 Firearms Collected from Militia in South Sudan
7 July 2016
Radio Tamazuj (Sudan)
Authorities in South Sudan's Warrap state have collected over 200 firearms from a Gelweng militia in Aguok centre.
A minister of the proposed Gogrial state Adior Kuol Amum said the disarmament exercise took place following a visit by deputy governor Santino Akot Abem.
"This indicates the youth are ready for peace because they will be one enjoys fruit of peace," Adior said.
The move is in line with peace resolutions signed in May between the Aguok and Apuk communities... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Continue to Proliferate, Russia Blocks Inquiry in Darfur
7 July 2016
Guardian
"I fired my first gunshot when I was nine," says Salih. "For years after that I was very eager to do it again. I owned my first weapon when I got to 14. It was an AK-47."
Salih is now 38, but guns have been a permanent fixture in his life. Growing up in Darfur in one of the Arab tribes that has been at war with other ethnic groups in the region since 2003, he says it quickly became clear the only way to protect his family was to get a weapon of his own.
In the 13... (GunPolicy.org)
More Than 400 Illegal Guns Collected in Sudanese County
3 July 2016
Gurtong Trust (Sudan)
More than 400 illegal firearms have been collected in the on-going disarmament process in Tonj South County.
Madit Malek Akuien the State Minister of Information said that process has been running smoothly with the Chiefs cooperating with the police.
"Disarmament is going on well, we have started in Tonj South, this disarmament in Tonj South is going on well, all the chiefs are cooperating with police and the army and as we are speaking a lot of guns have been... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Task Force Urges Government to Curb Gun Proliferation
29 June 2016
Nation (Nigeria)
The National Task Force on Illegal Importation of Small Arms, Ammunition and Light Weapons has urged the Federal Government to curb the proliferation of arms.
This followed attacks in Ogun State and other parts of the country by suspected militants.
It said the first step towards tackling insecurity was to enforce an effective mopping up of illegally imported arms, ammunition and light weapons.
The Southwest Coordinator of the organisation, Col. Anthony Awote (rtd),... (GunPolicy.org)
Tighter Gun Laws Worked in South Africa, Says 17-year Study
27 June 2016
Rand Daily Mail (South Africa)
Fewer people are being shot dead in South Africa thanks to stricter gun legislation, according to a 17-year study drawing on mortuary data.
SA Medical Council researcher Richard Matzopoulos, writing in this month's edition of SA Medical Journal, said this is proof that gun control works.
The gun-related deaths dropped from about 9540 a year between 1997 and 2000 to 3793 around 2007, a decrease of more than 60%.
This coincided with the gradual implementation of... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Ownership, Gun Death: South Africa v Rest of the World
21 June 2016
Business Tech (South Africa)
Data from the United Nations and the Small Arms Survey shows how South Africa's gun ownership and gun deaths compare to other countries across the world.
Gun violence has again been thrust into the global spotlight following a widely publicised mass shooting in Orlando, Florida in the USA.
The mass shooting has been described as the worst of its kind in US history – and is just the latest in what has sadly become a common recurrence in the world's leading... (GunPolicy.org)
Lebanon,Iraq,Jordan,Oman,Egypt,Saudi Arabia,Croatia,Israel,Kuwait,Germany,Spain,United Arab Emirates,Italy,Qatar,Switzerland,United States
World's Small Arms Trade Reached US$5.8 Billion in 2013
17 June 2016
Israel Homeland Security
The Small Arms Survey (SAS) released its annual Transfers and Transparency trade update for 2016, which reveals that the world's top and the largest of the smaller arms exporters conducted trade to the tune of $5.8bn in 2013. This represents an increase of 17 percent in small arms trade on 2012, which came in at $5bn flat.
The United States alone, the world's largest arms manufacturer and exporter, exported a record breaking $1.1bn worth of small arms in 2013. In a... (GunPolicy.org)
Côte d'Ivoire Has Added Markings to 99% of Police Guns [FR]
15 June 2016
Amnesty International (France), Media release
[Translated summary: Under the Arms Trade Treaty, the states of West Africa have improved their firearm stock management. Now every gun is marked with a code that shows where it comes from. Also, every time a gun enters or leaves an armoury, the code allows officials to know who gave the order and why. Now, the National Police of Côte d'Ivoire has marked 99% of its guns.]
Après deux décennies de crises, la Côte d'Ivoire est aux avant-postes de la lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Growing Number of Firearms Among Criminals in Mayotte [FR]
12 June 2016
Mayotte 1ère
[Translated Summary: In one week, there were two cases of criminal activity with handguns in Mayotte. This raised concern about illegal firearms in the country.]
En une semaine, par deux fois des voyous ont agi, armes à feu au poing. Une escalade inquiétante qui confirme les rumeurs persistantes d'armes à feu introduites illégalement dans le département.
Mayotte est bel et bien face au développement d'une forme de grand banditisme. La semaine dernière, les... (GunPolicy.org)
United Arab Emirates,United States,Italy,Germany,United Kingdom,Netherlands,South Africa,Iran,North Korea,Saudi Arabia
Gun Trade Still Growing at Expense of Development - Study
8 June 2016
Inter Press Service News Agency
UNITED NATIONS - A report released by The Small Arms Survey here Monday shows the alarming rate at which the trade of small arms and light weapons has been increasing.
Under Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN last September, UN member states have agreed to significantly reduce illicit arms trade flows by 2030.
"The Sustainable Development Agenda puts a clear emphasis on arms as one of the elements that will need to be taken into account for... (GunPolicy.org)
Failed Gun Amnesty Blamed for Firearm Violence in Nigeria
6 June 2016
Today (Nigeria)
The rising cases of armed struggles, including militancy championed by the Niger Delta Avengers, have been blamed on the poor implementation of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and proliferation of Small Arms and Lights Weapons in the country.
This was disclosed in Abuja at the weekend by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, during the Inter-Ministerial Roundtable on the ATT in Nigeria organised in... (GunPolicy.org)
Global Gun Control at the UN: Africa Needs New Goals
6 June 2016
Institute for Security Studies (Pretoria)
This week, from 6-10 June, United Nations (UN) member states are convening in New York for the Sixth Biennial Meeting on the UN Programme of Action on small arms and light weapons (UNPoA). The meeting will review the progress made in implementing the UNPoA, and will also focus on the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), which was adopted in 2005.
The UNPoA, adopted in 2001, outlines steps governments must take to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Passes Firearms and Ammunition Control Act
31 May 2016
Liberia News Agency
The Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LINCSA), James M. Fromayan, has described as "an historic and welcome development" the passage of the Liberia Firearms and Ammunition Control Act (LFACA).
"This is a huge step towards the process leading to the full transition of national security from UNMIL (U.N. Mission in Liberia) to the national security apparatus," he said.
Addressing the Ministry of Information press conference in Monrovia Tuesday,... (GunPolicy.org)
Homemade Guns Surrendered to Police Stations in Tanzania
30 May 2016
Tanzania Daily News
About 61 homemade firearms locally known as gobole owned illegally have been surrendered at different police posts in Katavi Region since the exercise was officially launched on March 21, this year.
The Katavi Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Damas Nyanda, said the verification exercise will officially end on June 30, this year, saying that so far 61 per cent of firearms verification have been completed and established that most of them are legally owned.
He further... (GunPolicy.org)
Study Finds 4,827 Guns Manufactured Each Year in Mali [FR]
29 May 2016
Mali Jet
[Translated summary: A study from the National Commission of the Fight Against the Proliferation of Light Weapons of Mali revealed that 4,827 are manufactured each year.]
Les armes de petits calibres font une victime par minute à travers le monde. La présidente de la Commission nationale de lutte contre la prolifération des armes légères, a présidé le jeudi et vendredi un atelier sur la problématique de lutte contre la prolifération des armes légères.... (GunPolicy.org)
Americas,Europe,Asia,Africa,Oceania
WHO Assembly Adopts Resolution to Prevent Interpersonal Violence
27 May 2016
World Health Organization, Media release
Delegates at the World Health Assembly have agreed resolutions and decisions on air pollution, chemicals, the health workforce, childhood obesity, violence, noncommunicable diseases, and the election of the next Director-General…
Global plan of action on violence
Delegates agreed a resolution on the WHO global plan of action on violence. Non-fatal acts of violence take a particular toll on women and children. 1-in-4 children has been physically abused; 1-in-5 girls... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Enacts Gun Control, UN Lifts Arms Embargo [FR]
27 May 2016
Jeune Afrique
[Translated summary: The United Nations Security Council has lifted the sanctions imposed on Liberia, including the arms embargo. Liberia has recently approved a bill on gun and ammunition control.]
Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies a adopté mercredi une résolution relative à la levée des sanctions imposées au Liberia, notamment l'embargo sur les armes.
Treize ans après la fin de la guerre civile au Liberia, le pays se retrouve enfin exempt de toutes... (GunPolicy.org)
U.N. Security Council Ends More Than a Decade of Sanctions, Arms Embargo on Liberia
25 May 2016
Reuters
The United Nations Security Council voted on Wednesday to end sanctions and an arms embargo on Liberia, citing the West African country's successful stabilization more than a decade after a 14-year civil war that killed nearly 250,000 people.
The unanimously adopted resolution by the 15-nation council welcomed "the sustained progress made by the government of Liberia in rebuilding Liberia for the benefit of all Liberians."
U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations... (GunPolicy.org)
Libya-linked Gun Trafficking Ring Dismantled in Algeria [FR]
23 May 2016
El Watan (Algiers)
[Translated summary: A network specialized in firearm trafficking has been dismantled in Algeria. Police arrested two people and seized 22 American pump-action shotguns, three Turkish shotguns, one handgun and ammunition, all from Libya.]
Un réseau spécialisé dans le trafic transfrontalier d'armes à feu a été démantelé en fin de semaine dernière. L'opération, menée par une brigade spécialisée de la sûreté de la wilaya d'Alger (SWA), a permis... (GunPolicy.org)
European Union Funds Push to Surrender Guns in West Africa
23 May 2016
Euractiv
A €5.6 million EU funded programme in West Africa is pushing for the voluntary surrender of small and light arms that are in the hands of civilians in exchange for incentives like social amenities and development activities for residents.
The Weapons Collection Programme is being chaperoned by the West African economic bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) within the broader context of "Disarmament and Community Development" or "Weapons for... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Trafficking, Home Made Firearms Worry Ghana Police
20 May 2016
Joy Online (Ghana)
The Small Arms Commission has warned of possible politically motivated violence during the 2016 elections after observing a trend pointing to stockpiling of weapons.
Executive Director of the Commission, Jones Applerh expressed fears that the elections could trigger a heightened demand for arms.
A number of arms seizures must have informed the fears of the Commission. There were seizures reported in the Western Region in February, 2016 where the police collected at... (GunPolicy.org)
Police to Declare Progress on Gun Registration in South Africa
19 May 2016
Parliament of South Africa (Cape Town)
The Portfolio Committee on Police will tomorrow (20 May 2016) receive a status report on the interventions the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) has employed towards improving its processes.
In the recent past, the CFR has been criticised for its sluggishness in processing firearm licenses and renewals. In trying to ensure efficiency within the CFR, the Committee demanded a turnaround strategy and quarterly reports on the implementation of the strategy.
The meeting will... (GunPolicy.org)
Botswana Police Raffle 50 Pistol Licences to 3,450 Applicants
19 May 2016
Botswana Daily News (Gaborone)
GABORONE — Botswana Police Service issued 50 short-guns licenses at a raffle conducted in Gaborone on Thursday. Speaking at the draw, chairman of the Arms Quota Board, acting commissioner of police, Mr Bruno Paledi, said issues of fire arms made headlines on news around the world.
He said small weapons were involved in killing of people and as such, he encouraged those who won the draw to exercise maximum care in handling fire arms at all times. Mr Paledi said... (GunPolicy.org)
Between 1 and 3 Million Illegal Guns in Nigeria in 2009 [FR]
18 May 2016
Courrier International (France)
[Translated summary: According to a study by the Small Arms Survey made in 2009, Nigeria has between 1 and 3 million illegal small arms and light weapons.]
Acculés par Boko Haram et la désertification dans le nord du pays, les pasteurs peuls musulmans se déplacent vers le Sud, peuplé d'ethnies minoritaires d'agriculteurs souvent chrétiennes. Cette nouvelle configuration réveille et attise le séculaire conflit pastoral. Une bombe à retardement.
Depuis six ans,... (GunPolicy.org)
Owners of Permitted Firearms Must Renew Licences in Nigeria
18 May 2016
Leadership (Abuja)
Concerned about the increasing proliferation of prohibited firearms that threaten security in parts of the country, and as part of initiatives aimed at ensuring adequate protection of lives and property of the citizens, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, has urged persons in possession of non-prohibited firearms to immediately obtain or renew their licences before July, 2016 by following the process on the requisite web link of the Nigeria Police... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Passes Long-awaited Domestic Gun Control Law
18 May 2016
The New Dawn (Monrovia)
The 'Liberia Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015', the legal framework for regulating the possession and use of small arms and light weapons in the country, has been passed into law by the National Legislature.
The domestic guns control law was finally passed on Thursday, May 12, 2016 when the House of Representatives concurred with an earlier action of the Liberia Senate on the passage of the Act. It can be recalled that the upper House in October 2015 voted... (GunPolicy.org)
Stricter Gun Control Laws on the Way for Namibia
18 May 2016
New Era (Namibia)
The amendments to the Arms and Ammunition Act are with the legal drafters and are at an advanced stage, Inspector-General of the Namibian Police Lieutenant Sebastian Ndeitunga says. Amendments to the Act are expected to make it harder to acquire a firearm licence, especially small arms, like pistols. Amongst others, the amendments will require background checks of applicants and raise the minimum age for acquiring a firearm licence from 18 to 25 years.
Ndeitunga said... (GunPolicy.org)
Namibian Farmers With Illegal Guns a Safety Concern - Police
17 May 2016
New Era (Namibia)
WINDHOEK — Farmers in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition are causing a national safety scare, says police chief Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga.
Ndeitunga says it is not only of concern to the police, but citizens alike are concerned about reports of people hiding arsenals of unlicensed firearms and discarded uniforms belonging to the former South West Africa Territorial Force (SWATF) and the feared Koevoet insurgency unit.
"What are their... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Police Order Illegal Owners to Surrender Guns
17 May 2016
Daily Trust (Abuja)
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has warned individuals in possession of prohibited firearms to surrender them or risk arrest and prosecution.
The police also asked those with non prohibited firearms to renew their license, a statement Tuesday by police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olabisi Kolawole, said.
She said the IGP is concerned about the increasing proliferation and use of prohibited firearms that threatens security in... (GunPolicy.org)
Assault Rifles Being Handed in for Registration in Kenya
16 May 2016
Citizen (Kenya)
Residents of Isiolo County continue to take advantage of a government amnesty on the surrender of illegal arms.
Led by area MCA and Isiolo County Assembly Majority Leader Adan Giro, the residents have surrendered a total of nine firearms and hundreds of bullets to the government.
The residents from Kinna ward presented three AK-47 rifles, one M16 rifle, and 302 rounds of ammunition for registration by the sub county security team at Kinna Social Hall in... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania's Neighbouring Countries a Source of Illegal Guns
16 May 2016
Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Mwanza will not win the war against illegal fire arms unless peace is found in neighbouring war torn countries, Mwanza Regional Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) has said.
According to the police head ongoing conflict in South Sudan has also contributed to the presence of guns in Tanzania.
"Criminals travel to any country looking for guns and they are often readily available in places such as South Sudan, due to this, the city is experiencing... (GunPolicy.org)
Angola Police Seize Five Kalashnikovs in Cuanza Sul [FR]
14 May 2016
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
[Translated summary: Angola National Police has recovered five firearms and a Kalashnikov magazine in the context of the disarmament of the civilian population. Since 2008, the police have seized 6,849 guns.]
SUMBE - Cinq armes à feu de type AKM ont été récupérées par la Police nationale, au cours des sept derniers jours, dans la province de Cuanza Sul, dont la ville de Sumbe est le chef-lieu (littoral-centre).
Outre les armes, un chargeur de Kalachnikov a... (GunPolicy.org)
Angola Police Collect Five Guns During Civilian Disarmament
14 May 2016
Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
Five fire-arms of the AKM type were collected in the last seven days by the Police Command of the central Cuanza Sul Province, in the ambit of the disarmament process of the civilian population.
The weekly report of the corporation, which reached ANGOP last Friday, states that one AKM bullets magazine was also collected.
Since the start of the process in 2008 the corporation in Cuanza Sul collected 6,849 fire-arms of different calibres, and from that number 425 were... (GunPolicy.org)
Congo (DRC),North Korea,Rwanda,Burundi
North Korea Giving Guns to Congolese Police, Soldiers: UN
14 May 2016
Daily Mail (UK), Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS — U.N. experts say Congolese army officers and police reported receiving pistols from a group of 30 North Korean instructors training their presidential guard and special police forces, which would appear to be a violation of U.N. sanctions banning Pyongyang from exporting weapons or providing military training.
The panel of experts monitoring U.N. sanctions against Congo said they found that pistols similar to those produced in North Korea were issued... (GunPolicy.org)
Large War Weapons Seizure from Gun Collector in Algeria [FR]
13 May 2016
Breizh Info
[Translated summary: Algeria National Police has seized MG 13, 34 and 42, one MP40, 6 Mauser rifles, pistols, ammunition and 500 kg. of explosives from a collector's house. None of these weapons were declared and they all belonged to the A category, the most regulated.]
La Police nationale a effectué une saisie d'armes de grande ampleur, mercredi matin , à Trémereuc (22) à côté de Dinard. Cette prise a été réalisée lors d'une perquisition chez un... (GunPolicy.org)
114 Rounds of Ammunition, 37 Guns Seized in South Africa
10 May 2016
East Coast Radio (KwaZulu-Natal)
Gun Free South Africa has welcomed a seven-day police operation in KZN in which 37 firearms and 114 rounds of ammunition were seized.
The organisation's Adele Kirsten says more intelligence driven operations, covering a greater number of areas, need to be carried out to remove illegal guns from the streets.
Kirsten says such operations also give them data on criminal activity and firearms, saying the majority of the weapons seized were handguns.
She says this could... (GunPolicy.org)
Groups Say Liberia is Vulnerable to the Proliferation of Guns
9 May 2016
The Analyst (Monrovia)
The Liberia Commission on Small Arms (LICOMSA) says the country's security stands to face daunting challenges after the departure of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from the country. An official of the commission who address a workshop of the a civil umbrella network, the Liberia Action Network on Small Arms (LANSA) at the YMCA last Friday told the group that the security situation will be vulnerable unless steps were taken to curb the proliferation and... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Trafficking Gangs Arrested in Algeria [FR]
5 May 2016
Le Matin d'Algérie
[Translated summary: Every day in Algeria there are more and more cases of violence in which young people are involved. In Batna, a network of gun traffickers was stopped by the national gendarmerie and two shotguns, one revolver, 227 cartridges and 960 capsules were seized.]
Dans la journée de mercredi, la faculté de droit a organisé un séminaire national sur la délinquance juvénile à l'auditorium de l'université. Ce rendez-vous a été une occasion pour... (GunPolicy.org)
Mali,Burkina Faso,West Africa,Nigeria,Niger
Nations, Agencies Gather for West Africa Gun Control Talks
2 May 2016
Daily Trust (Nigeria)
The ECOWAS Commission, European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are jointly working on a strategy to check the prevalence of small arms and light weapons [SALW] in the hands of non-state actors and its implication for peace and security in the region.
At the third steering committee meeting of the ECOWAS-EU small arms project held recently, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), represented by the... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania: Guns to Be Given Back to Owners
29 April 2016
Tanzania Daily News
DODOMA — Firearms that were impounded during anti-poaching campaign dubbed as "operation tokomeza" would be returned after verification of their genuineness and legal ownership, the Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, told the National Assembly here yesterday.
He said that the police force was still going on with the verification exercise to identify a number of things, including genuineness; legal ownership and whether such arms were free from any involvement in... (GunPolicy.org)
Burundi Reports 481 Armed Violence Homicides in 2015 [FR]
28 April 2016
Burundi Africa Generation
[Translated summary: The president of the National Permanent Commission of Fight Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons claimed that gun violence and insecurity in Burundi remains, despite efforts to fight it. Only in 2015, there have been 481 homicides, mostly perpetrated by men in Mairie de Bujumbura, the capital.]
A Bujumbura, ce lundi 25 avril 2015, l'officier Laurent Kabura, commissaire de police (CP) et président de la CNAP ( Commission... (GunPolicy.org)
Mauritius: Firearms Amendment Supports Arms Trade Treaty
28 April 2016
Government of Mauritius
The Firearms (Amendment) Bill which provides for amendments to the Firearms Act to implement the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty to which Mauritius is a signatory, was presented by the Prime Minister, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, in the National Assembly. The Bill was voted with amendments on 26 April 2016.
In his presentation, Sir Anerood Jugnauth expressed confidence that the accession of Mauritius to the Arms Trade Treaty and the amendments to the Firearms Act will... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Seize 305 Illegal Pistols, Rifles in Namibia
28 April 2016
Namibian (Windhoek)
Police have seized 305 illegal pistols, 2 011 rounds of ammunition and drugs with a street value of N$1 747 728 in the ongoing Operation Omake since last year.
Safety and security minister Charles Namoloh told parliament yesterday that the police also seized 24 rifles and 10 guns. A further 42 firearms which had been used in violent crimes were also confiscated.
About 2 577 various kinds of weapons were seized during police stop-and-search operations, while 1 308... (GunPolicy.org)
Kenya Herders Surrender Illegal Guns for Registration
27 April 2016
Daily Nation (Nairobi)
Three more herders in Isiolo have surrendered, for registration, firearms they were possessing illegally.
This comes just two weeks after Ngarema Member of County Assembly (MCA) Peter Losu registered his G3 rifle.
Two G3 rifles, an AK-47 rifle, five magazines and 66 rounds of ammunition belonging to herders from West Location were presented to the county security team Wednesday.
The herders presented their guns to Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya.
Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Sweden,United Kingdom,Australia,Japan,Switzerland,Israel,South Africa
Americans Face Extreme Difficulty Exporting Their Guns
27 April 2016
Wall Street Journal, Blog
When American Tom Heberlein tried to import his firearms to Sweden, he got as far as his transfer in the U.K. before it started to become complicated. There, despite having the correct paperwork, a U.K. customs official said: "You can't have these guns."
And thus began Mr. Heberlein's global gun education.
Although Mr. Heberlein did, after a lot of negotiation, finally get his guns through U.K. customs and in to Sweden, the entire experience created a hassle he hadn't... (GunPolicy.org)
400 Killed in Firearms−related Incidents in Namibia
25 April 2016
Namibian (Windhoek)
A total of 388 people were killed in firearms−related incidents in Namibia from January 2011 to January this year, police Inspector General Sebastian Ndeitunga has said.
This was contained in a statement delivered on his behalf at a workshop on the building of knowledge and capacity towards the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and implementation of related national, regional and international instruments on Small Arms and Light Weapons at Walvis Bay last... (GunPolicy.org)
Tanzania to Re-Mark All Imported and Registered Guns
23 April 2016
Tanzania Daily News
ARUSHA — Tanzania may soon start marking all sorts of firearms with special engraving to distinguish weapons registered in the country, against those owned in other states, it was revealed in Arusha.
Vice President, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan, said that with nearly 900,000 light weapons and small arms circulating around the globe, it is vital for Tanzania, as well as other African countries to start engraving special national labels to indicate where each firearm was... (GunPolicy.org)
Nepal,Oceania,Africa,Asia,Americas,Europe
Global Arms Smuggling and Trafficking Increases Gun Crime
21 April 2016
Telegraph (Nepal), Opinion
No doubt, the country is being increasingly inflicted by smuggling and illegal trade of small arms. This fast festering malaise has intensified serious crimes like murder, extortion, death threats, abduction and robbery. Fears are palpable that the growing market of small arms in the country may wreck the social fabric of the country. This is also hampering the efforts towards overcoming the social and economic trauma left by the decade-long armed conflict. However, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Namibia Government Concerned About Armed Civilians
21 April 2016
Namibian (Windhoek)
Government is concerned about the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of civilians in the country.
"The large number of armed civilians is a serious concern, which usually results in the abuse of firearms," safety and security minister Charles Namoloh said at Walvis Bay yesterday.
He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf at a workshop on building knowledge and capacity towards the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the... (GunPolicy.org)
Namibia Recorded 330 Gun Murders in Five Years
21 April 2016
New Era (Namibia)
WALVIS BAY — The police recorded 338 murder cases in Namibia involving fire-arms between January 2011 and January 2016.
Statistics also indicate that at least 1 050 attempted murder cases, 1 641 armed robbery cases and 1 997 threatening by fire-arm cases were reported in the country over the same period.
The statistics were revealed by Deputy Inspector General Desderious Shilunga during a two-day knowledge- and capacity-building workshop towards the ratification of... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire Debate Proliferation of Guns [FR]
20 April 2016
China Radio International, Xinhua
[Translated summary: A regional conference that gathers the National Commissions to Combat the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons of countries of West Africa is being held in Abidjan. Its mission is to reinforce control over arms and management of weapon stocks. In Côte d'Ivoire, since 2011, 9,661 were voluntary surrendered and more than 8,000 firearms destroyed.]
Une conférence régionale réunissant les commissions nationales de lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Small Arms Commission to Rid Ghana of Arms Before Polls
20 April 2016
News Ghana
With fears of instability due to the high stakes in the 2016 elections and the recent seizures of large arms and ammunition, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Jones Aplerh told Class News the commission would embark on a massive education drive to rid the system of such weapons.
"What we are doing in the circumstance is to step up intelligence and there are various forms and various strategies used in mopping up weapons that are in excess in society," he... (GunPolicy.org)