Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Nigerian Herdsmen Banned from Carrying Guns
20 April 2016
This Day (Lagos)
MINNA — The Niger State Police Command has waged a fresh war against Fulani herdsmen in a bid to check kidnapping and cattle rustling.
The police have therefore outlawed the carrying of arms and ammunition by the herdsmen under any guise.
The decision of the police to ban the carrying of arms by the herdsmen followed an increase in the number of firearms recovered from the pastoralists in the last six months.
The state police spokesman, Bala Elikana, told... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberian Politicians Urged to Pass New Firearms Act
20 April 2016
News (Liberia)
The Chairman of the House Committee on National Security, Alfred Koiwood says he will do everything to ensure that the House of Representatives concur with the Senate on the Fire Arms Act.
Speaking at the first quarterly review meeting of national partners of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), Rep. Koiwood's statement was in response to an appeal from LiNCSA Chairman, James Fromayan.
The meeting, which was supposed to have been a review of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Ceremony to Destroy 8,000 Guns in Côte D'Ivoire [FR]
9 April 2016
L'Infodrome (Côte d'Ivoire)
[Translated summary: The National Police School of Abidjan has organised a ceremony where they marked and destroyed small arms and light weapons. 26,324 guns have been marked; among these, 8,000 have been destroyed along with 6,336 rounds of ammunition.]
Une importante cérémonie de marquage et de destruction d'armes légères de petit calibre a eu lieu, jeudi 7 avril, à l'Ecole nationale de police d'Abidjan.
Organisée par le Comité de lutte contre la... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Police to Pass Drug Tests Before Receiving Guns
6 April 2016
This Day (Lagos)
ABUJA -- The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has said the Force will henceforth carry out snap urine tests on all policemen for signs of drug abuse before they are issued lethal weapons. He said this may also be done at their operational points.
Arase stated that apart from retrieving their weapons, culprits would be provided appropriate help to wean them from drugs or other emotional or psychological issues that may trigger fatal outcomes in their line of... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone Destroys 5,000 Firearms [FR]
29 March 2016
Voice of America (Africa), Agence France Presse
[Translated summary: Sierra Leone destroyed around 5,000 firearms on Saturday, including AK-47s, M16s, hunting shotguns and home-made firearms, some of which were seized starting from 2002 at the end of the civil war.]
La Sierra Leone a entamé samedi la destruction de quelque 5.000 armes, une opération menée pour améliorer la sécurité dans ce pays qui a connu une guerre civile meurtrière entre 1991 et 2002.
L'opération a débuté dans deux dépôts militaires... (GunPolicy.org)
22 March 2016
New Dawn (Liberia)
Local leaders from Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland counties in southeastern Liberia have pledged their unwavering support to efforts aimed at making their communities, clans, districts and counties free of small arms and light weapons.
The local leaders, including clan chiefs, youth and women leaders, town chiefs and local county authorities from the three (3) counties promised to lead the campaign in their respective communities about the importance of small arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Mass Shooting at Côte d'Ivoire Beach Resort
13 March 2016
Local (France), Agence France Presse
Heavily armed gunmen opened fire Sunday at a hotel in the Côte d'Ivoire beach resort of Grand-Bassam which is popular with Westerners, witnesses told AFP.
The assailants, who were "heavily armed and wearing balaclavas, fired at guests at the L'Etoile du Sud (Southern Star), a large hotel which was full of expats in the current heatwave," a witness told AFP.
It was not immediately known how many people had been killed or injured or who was behind the shooting in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns Flooding Nigeria, Fuelling Violence
12 March 2016
Daily Trust (Abuja)
In the last 10 years, the number of deaths as a result of violence in different parts of Nigeria has been spiking steadily. The fifth report of the Nigeria Watch Project released early this year indicates that between June 2006 and December 2015, a total of 94,470 deaths were recorded from fatal violence across the country. The country attained the climax in terms of number of deaths recorded from violence in the last 10 years in 2014 and 2015, accounting for 24 per... (GunPolicy.org)
460 Armed Robberies in Burkina Faso in 2015 [FR]
29 February 2016
Le Pays (Burkina Faso)
[Translated summary: Simon Compaoré, Minister of Territorial Administration and Security of Burkina Faso, has stated that there have been 460 armed robberies during 2015. 231 of these attacks were perpetrated in the East Region, making it the most vulnerable. Compaoré has explained that they have taken mesures to reduce insecurity after the terrorists attacks of January, 15.]
A la faveur des journées parlementaires du Mouvement du peuple pour le progrès (MPP),... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Facts, Figures and Firearm Law in Burkina Faso [FR]
26 February 2016
Le Pays (Burkina Faso), Transcript
[Translated summary: Gun facts and figures in Burkina Faso: the 2009 Firearms Decree; Consequences of the August 1983 Revolution; Arms trafficking in the region; Importance of the illegal manufacture of home-made guns; In Ouagadougou alone: 1,246 permits to carry firearms were issued in 2015, 1,270 in 2014, and 1,190 in 2013]
INTERVIEW
Propos recueillis par Michel NANA en collaboration avec Afronline (Italie)
Le Colonel Christophe Raoul Tapsoba est le secrétaire... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia,Sierra Leone,New Zealand,United Kingdom
Hospital-Based Research in Liberia on Armed Violence
19 February 2016
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War / IPPNW (USA)
Results of hospital-based research in Liberia on armed violence spearheaded by members of IPPNW was published recently by the Small Arms Survey in Switzerland. A main finding of The Value of Hospital Data - Understanding and Preventing Intentional Injury in Liberia (1) was that the Liberian Armed Violence Observatory (LAVO) is not receiving all the data it needs to most effectively inform intervention strategies on armed violence prevention.
"Our analysis of hospital... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War / IPPNW (USA)
Amnesty for Sierra Leone Gun Owners
26 January 2016
Politico SL
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLNCSA) has announced a 90-day amnesty to allow people with unregistered guns hand them over or have them licensed.
The amnesty runs from between 1, January and 31, March 2016, said (Rtd) Colonel Saa Anthony Sinah, Deputy Commissioner, SLNCSA, adding that it covered non-military weapons allowed to be used only for gaming and security purposes.
He told Politico that only non-military weapons like hunting guns, which... (GunPolicy.org)
More than 30 Million Guns Are in Sub-Saharan Africa [FR]
26 February 2015
Afrik.com
[Translated summary: More than 30 million firearms circulate in Sub-Saharan Africa, of which 8 million are in West Africa alone.]
Plus de 30 millions d'armes légères circulent en Afrique subsaharienne, a indiqué le ministre guinéen de la Sécurité et de la Protection civile, Mahmoud Cissé. Il intervenait à l'occasion d'une conférence menée avec le réseau d'action sur les armes légères en Afrique de l'Ouest (RASALAO), une ONG qui milite pour limiter le... (GunPolicy.org)
UN - Liberia's Refusal to Enact Firearms Law Dampening Embargo Lift
10 June 2014
Front Page Africa
MONROVIA — The United Nations Panel of Experts said in its May 2014 report to the Security Council that the government of Liberia is dragging its feet on the enactment of national firearms legislation.
The Panel said the law is critical to providing the legal framework and institutional mechanism to ensure effective small arms control in Liberia, a country that has in the past been controversial as it relates to arms trafficking in the region.
"The Panel is of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Eight Blacksmiths Arrested for Unlicensed Gun Making in Ghana
30 May 2014
Spy Ghana
Eight persons were on Wednesday remanded by an Accra Circuit Court for manufacturing firearms without lawful authority and abetment of crime.
One of them, Daniel Forfoe, was charged for manufacturing firearms while the remaining seven Andres Nyanney, Richard Armah, Stephen Asamani, Daniel Akakpo, Issac Annor, Samuel Appiah and Emmanuel Armahon, were charged for abetment of crime.
Prosecuting, Police Inspector Isaac Agbemehia, told the court that the accused persons... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Officials Arrest Man for Stockpiling Assault Weapons
21 May 2014
This Day (Lagos)
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday arrested and paraded a former leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, for stockpiling arms and ammunition.
Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, paraded other 10 suspects who specialised in using military uniforms to assault and brutalise innocent citizens, as well as other forms of atrocities.
It was gathered that Lamidi was arrested... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns in Ghana Raise Fears of Conflict, Domestic Violence
20 May 2014
Ghana Web
A Small Arms and Light Weapons expert says there are too many illegal weapons in private hands in Ghana, which poses a threat to the country's peace and a potential for armed conflict.
The expert warned that the danger associated with too many illegal weapons in private hands is that the day Ghana fails to successfully manage issues such as election disputes, disagreement over natural resource ownership and chieftaincy succession issues, armed conflict will... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Considers Gun Law Reform, Harsher Penalties
20 May 2014
Peace FM Online (Ghana)
Suspects found guilty of owning an unregistered gun or a light weapon could soon be handed life sentences.
That's according to the National Commission on small arms and light weapons.
The commission is currently undertaking consultations to review the existing 1962 legislation to respond to current challenges.
For instance, proposals made for consideration includes one can apply to own a weapon at age 21 up from the current age of 18.
There is also a proposal to... (GunPolicy.org)
Cops Who Carry Guns Should Be Trustworthy, Says Liberia Police Boss
21 April 2014
New Dawn (Monrovia)
Deputy Police Director for Operation Colonel Abraham Kromah, has called for the trust-worthiness of police officers that are expected to be armed at various police stations and depots across the country.
"They have to be trusted and trained before we give them arm, and we will ensure that, the public should not worry," he said.
Col. Kromah disclosed that officers who will be armed will go through thorough training like the Police Support Unit (PSU) and the Emergency... (GunPolicy.org)
Questions Raised About Arms Seizures in Cameroon
14 April 2014
Voice of America
YAOUNDE — Cameroon's government says it has seized huge consignments of arms and ammunition destined for Nigerian militant group Boko Haram. Residents in the area of the alleged seizure, however, say they are unaware of any such activity.
"The governor of the Far North Region has congratulated the forces of law and order and administrative authorities of Logone and Chari Division for impounding a huge quantity of arms and ammunition which was being smuggled for... (GunPolicy.org)
Haiti,Americas,Asia,Africa,Europe,South Sudan,Liberia,Oceania
Over 400,000 People Murdered Worldwide in 2012, 40 Percent Caused by Guns
10 April 2014
UN Dispatch (New York)
Almost half a million people across the world lost their lives in 2012 as a result of intentional homicide, with the highest murder rates logged in the Americas and Africa, and the lowest in Europe, Asia and Oceania, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports.
"Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered. There is an urgent need to understand how violent crime is plaguing countries around the world,... (GunPolicy.org)
Doubts Over Cameroonian Claims of Arms Cache Find in Nigeria
9 April 2014
Deutsche Welle
The announcement of the discovery in Cameroon of a large cache of arms and ammunition intended for Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria is regarded in some quarters as government propaganda.
There was alarm in northern Cameroon when it was announced in early April that two Italian priests and a nun had been kidnapped by suspected members of the Islamist sect Boko Haram, which is waging an insurgency in neighboring Nigeria.
The whereabouts of the three are still unknown.... (GunPolicy.org)
Several Assault Weapons Seized from Suspected Kidnappers in Nigeria
5 April 2014
Premium Times (Nigeria)
The Anambra State Police Command on Saturday paraded 19 suspected kidnappers.
The command also displayed arms and three bags of cannabis recovered from the hoodlums.
The arms include five AK-47 rifles; a barrater pistol, six pump action guns, 9,000 live cartridges; eight AK-47 magazines and a locally made pistol.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Usman Gwary, paraded the suspects at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad Office in Awkuzu, near Onitsha in Anambra.
Mr.... (GunPolicy.org)
Rising Crime in Ghana Sparks Call for Gun Law Change
4 April 2014
Peace FM (Ghana)
There is no law regulating the number of fire arms one can purchase in Ghana. For as long one is prepared to register more than two guns in his name, the law permits him to carry on.
But considering the spate of crime that has recently taken place in Ghana, a Deputy Commissioner of the Ghana Police Service believes it is about time the nation reviews individual ownership of firearms.
DCOP Christian Tetteh Yohonu, in an interview with Okay FM recounted that very... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone Gunsmiths Become Blacksmiths, Mark Firearms for Officials
2 April 2014
Awoko (Sierra Leone)
In a bid to provide alternative livelihood for local manufacturers of light weapons such as shotguns, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has registered some 1,500 Blacksmiths in the Mano River Basin as pilot beneficiaries aimed at achieving that objective.
The exercise, also aimed at reducing the impact of armed violence in the four-member country sub regional organization, was recently announced by the Programme Manager of AOAV, Francis Owane-Addo at the launch of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Cameroon Arrests Two Weapons Suppliers to Nigerian Terror Group
1 April 2014
Premium Times (Nigeria)
The Cameroonian security forces have succeeded in capturing two suspected arms suppliers to terrorists in Nigeria, an official has said.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, over 288 rifles, 35 Rocket Propelled Guns and 35 improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, were recovered from the suspects by the Cameroonian forces.
Mr. Olukolade said the recovery was made after a fierce encounter at Abugasse, Cameroon, close to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Africa,North Africa,Russia,Syria,Mali,Qatar,Turkey,Libya,Egypt,Chad,Somalia,Nigeria,Niger
Libya's Guns Free-For-All Fuels Region's Turmoil
22 March 2014
St Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri)
TRIPOLI — At the heart of the Libyan capital, the open-air Fish Market was once a place where residents went to buy everything from meat and seafood to clothes and pets. Now it's Tripoli's biggest arms market, with tables displaying pistols and assault rifles. Ask a vendor, and he can pull out bigger machine guns to sell for thousands of dollars.
Libya, where hundreds of militias hold sway and the central government is virtually powerless, is awash in millions of... (GunPolicy.org)
Turkish Airlines Denies Arms Shipment to Nigeria
20 March 2014
Daily Trust (Abuja)
Turkish Airlines has denied reports that it has been bringing arms into Nigeria which might have found its way to the Northeast, where Boko Haram militants have caused violence.
"Turkish Airlines has not been involved in any carriage of arms to that country (Nigeria) from Turkey nor from any country," the airline said in a statement yesterday.
The reports stem from a leaked tape, where Mehmet Karatas, an assistant executive of the airline, allegedly tells Mustafa... (GunPolicy.org)
Small Arms Commission Begins Nationwide Marking of Weapons in Ghana
19 March 2014
Ghana Web
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has begun a nationwide exercise to mark all weapons of the various security agencies.
The exercise which started with the military will be extended to other security agencies such as the Police, prisons, immigration and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS).
The marking of weapons involves a systematic embossment of unique identification numbers on firearms to make them easily identifiable and... (GunPolicy.org)
United Kingdom,United States,Cambodia,Liberia,Mexico,Mozambique
Melding Guns Into Weapons of Mass Attraction – Global Picture Gallery
6 March 2014
Guardian (UK)
Art of War - Picture gallery captions:
Non-Violence, or the Knotted Gun, by Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. The bronze replica of a 45-calibre revolver, a gift from Luxembourg to the United Nations, was sculpted in memory of the Swedish artist's longtime friend John Lennon. Though not created from recycled munitions, the sculpture has been cited as one of the inspirations behind the arms-to-art movement.
Sculptor Gonçalo Mabunda recycles weapons recovered from... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa,Central African Republic,Sudan,Nigeria,Congo (DRC),Cameroon,Libya
Arms Smuggling to Nigerian Criminals Threatens Cameroon
21 February 2014
IRIN (UN News)
YAOUNDE — Recent arms seizures and arrests of traffickers in Cameroon's Far North Region have highlighted the escalating insecurity caused by Boko Haram in neighbouring Nigeria and the impact of the unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR) and Sudan.
In January, Cameroon's security forces arrested a man attempting to transport 655 guns to Nigeria. In September 2013, 5,400 AK-47 rifles were seized on a pick-up truck in Maroua, the capital of Far North Region,... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Authorities Begin Marking State, Private Guns to Prevent Theft
21 February 2014
Ghana Web
The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, on Wednesday, started its nationwide exercise to mark all weapons of the various security agencies, which aims at controlling the proliferation of illegal arms.
The marking of the weapons involves a systematic embossment of unique identification numbers on firearms in an easily identifiable and coherent manner upon which a database will be kept to help trace any illegally diverted weapon from the state... (GunPolicy.org)
Libya,West Asia,Egypt,Syria,Mali,North Africa,Italy,France,United States,United Kingdom,Russia,Belarus,China,Algeria,Caribbean,South America,Niger,Chad,European Union,Tunisia
Post-Uprising Gun Proliferation is Destabilising the Middle East
20 February 2014
Fair Observer
In recent years, as order in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) eroded between uprisings and armed conflicts, the desire for arms amongst a wide range of actors became one more destabilizing factor in the complexities of each situation.
However, arms proliferation is nothing new to the MENA region. Whether it was through state actors or black market trading, weapons have circulated throughout the Middle East and North Africa for many years.
Today, arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Senegal PM Supports Continued Work Preventing Firearm Proliferation [FR]
18 February 2014
Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (Senegal)
[Translated summary: The Senegalese Prime Minister is supporting efforts to prevent illegal manufacturing and trafficking of firearms in Senegal, chairing a workshop on proliferation of weapons. Authorities are concerned about the human rights and development costs of insecurity caused by small arms proliferation, and Senegal has signed regional and international agreements related to this issue.]
Le Sénégal mise sur la prévention pour combattre et éradiquer la... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Govt Task Force to Address Firearm Proliferation
17 February 2014
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
It is estimated that just one out of every 20,000 weapons seized is registered.
A task force is therefore to be established in mining communities especially, to check the situation.
DSP Fred Kweku Atteasah of the National Fire Arms Bureau of the Ghana Police Service disclosed this on GTV's "Talking Point" programme last night.
Panelists discussed the proliferation of small arms. They noted that proliferation of small arms poses a security threat and derails... (GunPolicy.org)
Germany,South Africa,Saudi Arabia,Sierra Leone
German Arms Go Into Child Soldiers' Hands
15 February 2014
Turkish Weekly / Deutsche Welle / Voice of Russia (Moscow)
With Germany being one of the largest arms exporters, many of the resources are going to the countries where children are used as exploiters in the military.
Michael D, one of the former soldiers, who is currently living in Berlin states: "We were mostly deployed for attacks. We were often the first to be sent into combat and had to dodge the flurry of bullets."
Since he was a young boy, he was forced to become a soldier in his native country, Sierra Leone, where he... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Turkish Weekly / Deutsche Welle / Voice of Russia (Moscow)
Two Nigerian Men Held in Sierra Leone for Unlicensed Guns
10 February 2014
Concord Times (Freetown)
Two Nigerians - Paul Ekechukwu and Prince Duru - were last Friday remanded at the maximum security prison at Pademba Road for allegedly being in possession of firearms without license.
The accused are being tried at the Freetown Magistrates' Court No. 2, presided over by Magistrate Komba Kamanda, on two counts of unlawful possession of small arms without license, contrary to section 19(2) of the Arms and Ammunition Act No.14 of 1955, as repealed and replaced by section... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Police Bans Issue of New Gun Licences
8 February 2014
Leadership (Abuja)
In his renewed move to curb the proliferation of arms and thuggery, the inspector-general of police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, has banned the issuance of new firearms licences to individuals.
This was disclosed to journalists in Lagos yesterday by force police public relations officer Frank Mba, at the pull-out ceremony of some top police officers at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.
Mba said that arms proliferation and thuggery were among security... (GunPolicy.org)
Cape Verde Launches Firearms Amnesty [PT]
25 January 2014
Portugal Digital
[Translated summary: Cape Verde authorities have launched a national campaign for the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms, estimated by police to be around 6,500. In the last two years, 538 firearms and 414 homemade guns were seized. Authorities said firearms were involved in 44 homicides, 323 injuries and 632 assaults. A new law was signed in 2012 to create systems to improve security and prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms.]
Praia - O Ministério da... (GunPolicy.org)
NGO Says Criminals in Ghana Getting Homemade Guns Illegally From Artisans
25 January 2014
Vibe Ghana, Opinion
Mr. Baffour Amoa, President of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), on Friday urged security agencies to clamp down on the activities of artisans, to prevent them from manufacturing small arms.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the state of the acquisition of small arms in the country, he pointed out that "some artisans secretly produce and sell locally-manufactured guns to armed robbers".
He said the law stipulates that artisans can... (GunPolicy.org)
Top Ghana Cop Calls for Restrictions on Homemade Guns After Fatal Shooting
3 January 2014
Ghana Web
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Augustine Gyennin, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, on Thursday called for the reining-in of locally-made arm manufacturers to help bring crime under control.
He said the soaring armed robbery threatening the security of law-abiding citizens was being fuelled by the production of locally-made arms and everything must be done to stop the producers.
DCOP Gyennin has, however, assured of police continuous protection and firm resolve... (GunPolicy.org)
Training Seminar in West Africa to Prevent Arms Trafficking [FR]
19 December 2013
Ici Lome
[Translated summary: The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping and Training Centre and the Togolese Government held a training seminar in December 2013 on firearms and ammunition. The aim is to prevent the uncontrolled trafficking and circulation of weapons amongst criminals and terrorists in West Africa, with an estimated 100 million small arms in Africa.]
Togo - Le Centre International kofi ANNAN en collaboration avec le gouvernement togolais organise du 17 au 18... (GunPolicy.org)
'Brilliant' Nigerian Lecturer Shot Dead at Home
18 December 2013
Premium Times (Nigeria)
A senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Dr. Olusegun Onabanjo, was on Wednesday shot dead by gunmen who stormed his private residence.
PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the killers stormed the residence located in Odomolasa area of Ilese-Ijebu at about 1.00 a.m. and attempted to force their way into the apartment.
As at the time the assailants were making frantic efforts to break in, residents of the area said Mr.... (GunPolicy.org)
Report Shows 80 Percent of Privately Held Arms in Nigeria are Illegal
13 December 2013
This Day (Lagos)
A report has revealed that all parts of Nigeria are ravaged with armed violence, which has been detrimental to the socio-economic well-being of the country, with 80 per cent of weapons in private hands having been acquired illegally.
The report, titled: 'The Violent Road', which was presented to the media in Abuja yesterday, was conducted by the National Working Group on Armed Violence (NWGAV) in conjunction with the United Kingdom based Non Governmental Organisation... (GunPolicy.org)
Gambian Man Convicted for Illegal Gun Possession
11 December 2013
Point (Gambia)
One Gibril Bojang, a prescription for the cattle at Kanilai Family Farm, was Monday convicted by the Brikama Magistrates' Court, presided over by Magistrate S.K. Jorbateh.
Bojang was convicted on a charge of being in possession of firearm without authority.
Delivering her judgement, the trial magistrate said she understood the convict was a first-time offender, a family man and a sole breadwinner.
She said the convict was remorseful throughout the trial and if given... (GunPolicy.org)
United States,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia
Liberia Govt Officials Allegedly Involved in Secret Firearm Deals
11 December 2013
New Dawn (Monrovia)
Details emerging from the latest UN Panel of Experts report on Liberia have unveiled some chilling and staggering information as to how government officials and or political appointees are secretly acquiring firearms.
The UN Panelists appointed to monitor the arms embargo and other military related activities here in pursuant to UN resolution 2079 (2012), said most of the firearms were either purchased from returning mercenaries from the Ivory Coast or through other... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Catholic Priest Investigated Over Illegal Guns
7 December 2013
Vanguard (Lagos)
Police authorities in Imo State are investigating a Roman Catholic priest (names withheld) for unlawful possession of firearms. The priest, said to be in-charge of one of the prominent Parishes in Dikenafai, Ideato South Local Government area, Imo State, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of three unlicensed guns with which he threatened the lives of his parishioners.
Crime Guard reliably gathered that the guns which include one pump action riffle, one... (GunPolicy.org)
Iraq,Syria,Israel,India,Ireland,Togo,Canada,United States,Afghanistan,Côte d'Ivoire,Iran,Sri Lanka,Germany,Russia
Growing Number of Personalised Firearms to Boost Safety Available
30 November 2013
Economist
To help push Soviet forces out of Afghanistan in the 1980s, America's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) gave Afghan fighters shoulder-launched Stinger anti-aircraft missiles (pictured). Accurate and easy-to-use, the Stingers caused grievous losses. But after the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, the CIA wanted to discourage the use of the leftover missiles. It got hold of some of those circulating on the black market and booby-trapped them, so that anyone who tried to fire one... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Drafts Law to Meet Arms Trade Treaty Requirements
24 November 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
ABUJA — At a workshop organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Abuja last week, 30 legal experts from the Ministries of Justice, Defence and Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly, received advice and tools for drafting a bill on the requirements of the Arms Trade Treaty and the Nigerian domestic law.
The treaty requires parties to prevent the illicit trade in conventional arms, comprising small arms and light weapons, tanks, missiles,... (GunPolicy.org)
Burkina Faso Officials Meet with Gunsmiths Over Imports [FR]
18 November 2013
Le Faso (Ouagadougou)
[Translated summary: Burkina Faso officials have met with stakeholders and gunsmiths to explain the laws on importing and marketing firearms and ammunition, to address trafficking concerns.]
La prolifération des armes ainsi que la situation sécuritaire de la sous-région marquée par des crises commandent que le gouvernement surveille l'entrée et l'utilisation des armes sur le sol burkinabè. Pour ce faire, il a décidé de prendre les devants. C'est ainsi que le... (GunPolicy.org)
Greece,Sierra Leone,Libya,Ukraine
Ukraine Confirms Permit Issued for Guns Seized En Route to Libya
12 November 2013
Ukrainian Journal
KIEV – The State Service of Export Controls of Ukraine has confirmed the issuing of a one-time permit to Ukrspecexport subsidiary Ukrinmash State Enterprise for the supply of small arms ammunition to Libya, noting however that they have no information about the specific content of the military cargo on board of the Sierra Leone-flagged Nour M ship, which was detained in Greece.
"In 2013, after inter-agency coordination, the State Service of Export Control of Ukraine... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone,Greece,Ukraine,Syria,Libya,Turkey
Greek Coastguard Halts Ship Carrying 20,000 Kalashnikovs
8 November 2013
Greek Reporter
According to sources, the cargo ship "nourm" flagged with Sierra Leone, transferred a large amount of weapons. It was identified yesterday evening near Imia and was escorted to the port of Symi this morning.
After an investigation, the cargo ship had troubled the authorities in the past for drug trafficking and when the port board appeared, changed its direction.
Eventually, the ship stopped and was led to the port of Symi, under the port escort. The ship had started... (GunPolicy.org)
South Sudan,Somalia,Burundi,Liberia,Ghana,United States,Europe,Zimbabwe,Uganda,Tanzania,Sudan,Nigeria,Namibia,Kenya,Ethiopia,Africa
How Disarmament in Africa Got More Complicated
5 November 2013
IPI Global Observatory
Africa is ground zero in the international debate on controlling the small arms and light weapons trade. For more than a decade, diplomatic activity to contain arms and ammunition transfers has been animated by a concern with instability and contagion generated by the continent's many wars. Leading think tanks, research groups, and advocacy organizations have repeatedly drawn attention to the way the burden of armed violence in Africa is a product of low-tech assault... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Establishes Committee to Tackle Illegal Firearms Threat
29 October 2013
This Day (Lagos)
The President sets up a committee aimed at stemming the influx of illicit weapons which could undermine the security of the nation. A few weeks ago, President Goodluck Jonathan approved the establishment of a committee to stem the spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) most often used in creating insecurity and instability in Nigeria and other developing nations. Headed by Ambassador Emmanuel Imohe, other members of the committee include Ambassadors Martin I.... (GunPolicy.org)
China,Algeria,Sierra Leone,Russia,United States
US Law Reforms 'Open Floodgates' on Arms Exports, Say Critics
17 October 2013
Inter Press Service News Agency
WASHINGTON - On Tuesday, the largest deregulation in the history of U.S. arms exports took place as part of the Barack Obama administration's export reform initiative.
But a day after the new reforms came into effect, former government officials and critics from the human rights community are warning of the serious human rights consequences and of the negative long-term impact for U.S. foreign policy.
The reforms are part of the Export Control Reform Initiative (ECRI)... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 160 Guns Seized by Ghana Police as Concerns Over Crime Grow
15 October 2013
Spy Ghana (Ghana)
A total of 161 guns has been seized during Police operations from January to June, Mr Prosper Agblor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) said on Monday. He said out of the number, 93 were locally made single barrel shotguns, 41 locally manufactured pistols, 10 imported pistols, eight pump action guns, five AK47 assault rifles and four locally made double barrel shotguns.
Mr Agblor said 463 assorted ammunition were also seized during the... (GunPolicy.org)
Italy,Sierra Leone,United States,India
US Security Firm's Arms Shipment Detained in India Over Lack of Papers
13 October 2013
Guardian (UK) / Reuters
India has detained an armed ship operated by a US maritime security company, including the 35 people on board, for failing to produce papers authorizing it to carry weapons and ammunition in Indian waters, the coast guard said on Sunday.
Coast Guard Commandant Anand Kumar said the ship was stopped on Friday and was being held in the southern port of Tuticorin along with its 10 crew and 25 armed guards, until required documentation is submitted.
The crew and security... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Trafficking Charges Dropped Against Russians in Nigeria
8 October 2013
Leadership (Abuja)
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday heard that the alleged arms trafficking charge against the 15 Russian sailors had been dropped.
The Russians, charged with unlawful importation of arms into Nigeria are: Zhelyazkov Andrey, Savchenko Sergel, Lopatin Alexey and Baranovskly Nikolay, Llia Shubov, Dimitry Bannyrh, Alexander Tsarikov and Kononov Sergel.
Others are Chichkanov Vasily, Varlygin Igor, Komilov Alexander, Mishin Pavel, Korotchenko Andrey, Vorobev... (GunPolicy.org)
Liberia Hosts Small Arms Workshop to Address Gun Trafficking
4 October 2013
New Democrat (Monvoria)
The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA) will on October 8 embark on a week-long consultative workshop on arms control in three southeastern counties including River Gee, Maryland and Grand Gedeh Counties.
The workshop which is being funded by the ECOWAS Commission will target border communities along the Liberian-Ivorian border within the three counties as well as security officers assigned at these border points. A statement from the Liberia National... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Customs Seizes Smuggled Arms Concealed in Household Cargo
18 September 2013
This Day (Lagos)
A cache of arms and ammunition which were allegedly concealed and smuggled into the country through the Ports and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), Tincan Island, Apapa, Lagos, have been impounded by examination officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
The examination officers, who were said not to have relied on the declaration of the contents of the container to be just two vehicles and other household items, have also arrested the agent simply... (GunPolicy.org)
Russia,Trinidad & Tobago,Caribbean,Nicaragua,United States,Canada,Guinea-Bissau,Libya,Mexico,Colombia
Small Arms: The Worldwide Scourge
8 September 2013
Newsday (Trinidad & Tobago)
Trinidad and Tobago is awash with guns. Gang leaders, bandits, drug smugglers are armed and shooting at each other, at citizens, at the police without hesitation. The majority of the weapons are small arms and they are usually "imported" with illegal drugs or there is an exchange of drugs for arms. Drug cartels use their illicit profits to purchase these guns, the two trades being intertwined, according to the latest report from the United Nations Office for Disarmament... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone Gets Weapon Marking Machine
5 September 2013
Awoko (Sierra Leone)
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms (SLeNCSA) yesterday received two Electric Marking Machines through its partnership with the Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).
The Marking Machines if effectively utilized, will aid the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms and the Government in general, to trace weapons in the possession of primary forces and civilians in Sierra Leone.
According to the Commissioner of the Sierra Leone National Commission on... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Police Ask Public for Help to Curb Illegal Gun Numbers
28 August 2013
Vibe Ghana
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Baah, Bechem District Police Commander, has appealed to the general public to assist the police to arrest people in possession of illegal arms and ammunitions.
He said it was the responsibility of the police to ascertain whether people who possessed arms had permit or not, and behooved on the public to notify the police whenever they come across such people.
DSP Baah made the appeal at a stakeholders' meeting organised by... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Call For Tougher Penalties Under Ghana's Gun Law
16 August 2013
Spy Ghana (Ghana)
The police have called for sweeping changes to the country's laws on guns to adequately punish people who obtain them illegally.
DCOP Augustine Gyening, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, said the availability of drugs and weapons poses a major challenge to law enforcement agents in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Police Visibility and Accessibility Department in Kumasi on Wednesday, the police chief noted that "this is what is fueling the commission... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Becomes First African Country to Ratify Arms Trade Treaty
13 August 2013
Premium Times (Nigeria)
Nigeria has become the first Africa country to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, has disclosed.
"Nigeria becomes the first African country to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).
"This landmark event represents our deep commitment to a treaty which establishes common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.
"We remain resolute and unyielding in our efforts... (GunPolicy.org)
Officials Suspect Single-Barrel Guns Being Made in Liberia, Held Illegally
5 August 2013
New Republic Liberia
Unconfirmed reports gathered by this paper suggest that single-barrel guns widely used by hunters in all parts of Liberia are being produced here with reports pointing to Grand Gedeh and Lofa Counties, two of the counties with a significant portion of the country's tropical rainforests where there is incessant pillage and hunting of rare animals or endangered species as well as illicit mining by both local and migrant communities.
Artisans from neighboring countries... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Police Recover 22 Guns in One Month
24 July 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
The police arrested 40 suspects and recovered 22 assorted guns across the country in the second week of July, the Police Crime Report said in Abuja yesterday.
The report stated that the arrests and recoveries were made in Lagos, FCT, Kaduna, Osun, Cross River, Ogun, Taraba, Rivers, Kogi, Anambra, Kano, Ekiti, Edo and Enugu. It stated that the suspects were arrested in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping, and car snatching.
It said that the recovered guns,... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghanaian Chief Arrested for Alleged Gun-Running After Robbery
17 July 2013
Ghanaian Chronicle
A middle aged man, who identified himself as the regent of Manso Asuboa, near Akim Oda in the Eastern Region, is in the grips of the Dansoman Police in Accra allegedly for gun-running.
Nana Kwesi Addo, alias Black Man, 55, was picked up together with George Doodo, 37, Joseph Ewudzie, 23, Dennis Nana Poku, 24, all said alleged to be armed robbers.
According to the Commander of the Dansoman Divisional Police, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Kwodwo Antwi Tabi, the... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone Needs to Implement Law to Reduce Gun Injuries, Deaths
12 July 2013
Concord Times (Sierra Leone)
Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), an international non-governmental organization working in partnership with the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA), has in a baseline survey report on Armed Violence in Sierra Leone, recommended that government urgently implement the Arms and Ammunition Act of 2012, in order to track and trace firearms throughout the country.
"While the use of firearms is less common, these incidents resulted in injury or death for 100%... (GunPolicy.org)
Survey Shows Sierra Leone Citizens at High Risk from Armed Violence
11 July 2013
Awoko (Sierra Leone)
A baseline Survey conducted on armed violence in Sierra Leone report that the urban areas, especially Freetown experience the highest rates of armed violence.
The survey was conducted by Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) and Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) across the country for the period of six month.
It was aimed at improving citizens' understanding on the impact of armed violence, and formulating measures to reduce its impacts on... (GunPolicy.org)
Six Year Old Shoots Sister to Death in Ghana with Unregistered Handgun
10 July 2013
Ghanaian Chronicle
Residents of Bediase, a farming community in Kukrantumi in the East Akyem Municipality of the Eastern Region on Monday, were thrown into a state of mourning when a six (6) year old boy, Kwabena Kamasah, shot his sister, Adzo Dzukor, to death with an unregistered single barrel gun.
According to information reaching The Chronicle, young Adzo, 8, met her untimely death on her sick bed after the brother shot her with the revolver, which was placed at one of the corners of... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian State Plans to Legally Acquire Guns for Vigilantes
9 July 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
Zamfara State government has insisted that it will follow all legal means to acquire arms for its vigilante groups for enhancing security in the state.
This came a day after the Police headquarters in Abuja said it will not permit any vigilante group to bear firearms.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, the Zamnfara State Information Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Birnin Magaji, said the number of policemen in the state are not enough to protect the lives and properties... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigerian Police Arrested as Part of Gun-Making Syndicate
5 July 2013
Sun News (Lagos)
Plateau State Police Command has arrested two policemen and 15 other persons suspected to be members of firearms production syndicates. The policemen, whose names were given as Corporal Joseph and Constable Mafwai were alleged to be suppliers of ammunition to criminals.
They have been dismissed by the police and would face prosecution alongside the other members of the gang who were arrested at Barkin Ladi. Parading the suspects before newsmen, Plateau State... (GunPolicy.org)
UK Judge Orders Almost 13,000 Guns Destroyed in Arms Dealer Case
2 July 2013
York Press
A judge has ordered the destruction of nearly 13,000 AK47 rifles associated with jailed York arms dealer Gary Hyde – after turning down a request for them to be deactivated for use in films.
Former special constable Hyde, 42, was jailed for seven years last December for overseeing an £800,000 consignment of rifles, 9mm pistols, rifles and bullets, from China to Nigeria in 2007.
The businessman, from Newton-on-Derwent, east of York, "put two fingers up" to strict... (GunPolicy.org)
Sierra Leone,Liberia,Guinea,Côte d'Ivoire,West Africa
West African Countries Tackle Cross-Border Arms
30 June 2013
Voice of America
Countries of the Mano River basin in West Africa are trying to forge a joint strategy to counter the cross-border movement of armed groups and the illegal trafficking of weapons in their region. Representatives of the United Nations and regional organizations joined the talks on Saturday.
Decades of armed conflict and political strife, including civil wars in Sierra Leone and Liberia, have caused lasting issues of insecurity in the Mano River region, particularly in... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria MP in Court Over Illegal Gun Possession
10 June 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
An Abuja Magistrates Court on Friday remanded in Kuje prison a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Friday Sani (alias Makama), for allegedly being in unlawful possession of fire arm, ammunition and police walkie talkie.
Sani, who was arraigned alongside one Job David, both pleaded not guilty to allegations of criminal conspiracy and abatement proffered against them by the police.
Chief Magistrate Usman Shuaibu adjourned till tomorrow to hear their application... (GunPolicy.org)
Alleged Gun Smuggler Investigated in Liberia
6 June 2013
News (Monrovia)
Police in Monrovia are investigating a man identified as Bernard Cooper in connection with illegal entry of guns in Liberia. Cooper is believed to be a Liberian-American national.
Sources told this paper that suspect Cooper was arrested Friday, May 31, 2013 in the vicinity of the Monrovia City Hall in Sinkor and taken to the headquarters of the Liberia National Police for investigation.
During preliminary probe by criminal investigators on Saturday, June 1, 2013 after... (GunPolicy.org)
Taskforce Estimates 65% of Arms Imported to Nigeria Arrive Via Waterways
6 June 2013
WorldStage Newsonline (Nigeria)
The President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Mr. Eugene Nweke has said that Sixty five per cent of arms and ammunitions imported into Nigeria enter through the waterways, the President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Mr. Eugene Nweke has said.
Addressing members of the National Taskforce on Small Arms, Ammunitions and Light - Weapons who paid a courtesy visit to NAGAFF village in Lagos,... (GunPolicy.org)
Huge Weapons Cache Seized in Nigeria
30 May 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
KANO — The Joint Task Force has made the largest weapons discovery yet in Kano during a raid on a house occupied by a foreigner in Bompai area of the city, Daily Trust learnt from security sources yesterday.
The raid has taken two days and was still going on yesterday because of what sources said was the huge volume of the weapons, which were found in a specially-built bunker in the house.
On Monday night, troops laid siege on the area, cordoning off a street... (GunPolicy.org)
Four Men Arrested in Ghana for Illegal Gun Manufacturing
28 May 2013
Ghanaian Chronicle
KUMASI — The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested four suspects for manufacturing firearms without authority at Fumso in the Adansi West District.
The suspects are now in police custody, assisting with investigations.
DCOP Augustine Gyenin, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, who revealed this at a press briefing, said upon intelligence gathered from the ongoing investigations into the shooting incident in Kumasi on May 19, 2013, personnel from the Regional... (GunPolicy.org)
Cote D'Ivoire to Mark Weapons for Arms Control
28 May 2013
Global Times (China)
Cote d'Ivoire's National Commission for Fighting Against Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (COMNAT-ALPC) on Monday said authorities plan to mark all weapons used by security forces for arms control.
The COMNAT-ALPC under-secretary, Leon Djokouehi, told reporters in Abidjan that the marking of the weapons will enable authorities to identify all the arms in circulation and their holders to prevent proliferation.
"When we decide to mark a weapon, it's treated... (GunPolicy.org)
Germany,Nigeria,China,United States,United Kingdom
Former Doyen of UK Gun Lobby Pleads Guilty to More Gunrunning
17 May 2013
Democrat and Chronicle (USA)
British arms dealer Gary Hyde has admitted helping smuggle illegal AK-47 magazines into the United States for sale by a Chili-based firearms wholesaler, federal court records show.
Hyde signed a plea agreement in late April but it was not filed until this week, records show.
Hyde admitted that he had helped alter the markings on the 5,760 magazines so their country of origin — China — would not be known. In the U.S., there is a federal ban on the importation of... (GunPolicy.org)
Iranian Jailed for Illegal Arms Importation into Nigeria
14 May 2013
This Day (Lagos)
Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court in Lagos monday sentenced an Iranian national, Azim Aghajani, and his Nigerian counterpart, Ali Jega, to 17 years imprisonment each for their involvement in the importation of firearms into Nigeria.
Justice Okeke while delivering his judgment, held that he was not in doubt that the 13 containers loaded with arms were imported into the country, contrary to the claim by the accused persons that the containers contained... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Confirm 1 Million Illegal Guns in Nigeria
9 May 2013
Daily Newswatch (Nigeria)
Against the backdrop of mounting security challenges in Nigeria arising from the Boko Haram insurgency and ethno-religious crisis in the north as well as armed robbery and kidnapping in the south, it has been estimated that there are about one million illegally held guns in the country in civilian hands. The market price for most popular of them all, the AK-47 pattern of assault weapon, goes for $180 (about N27,000). While the total number of guns in the hands of... (GunPolicy.org)
Poland,Ukraine,Israel,Côte d'Ivoire,Bulgaria,Belarus,China,Angola,Russia
Guns Easily Available in Côte D'Ivoire Despite Embargo
16 April 2013
IRIN (UN News)
ABIDJAN - Côte d'Ivoire's recent turbulence - including the ouster of president Henri Konan Bédié in 1999, a long-running insurgency and deadly poll unrest in 2011 - has left the country awash in arms, which have contributed to human rights abuses, widespread crime and persistent insecurity.
Two years after coming to power in 2000, Laurent Gbagbo's administration faced an army mutiny, which morphed into a full-scale rebellion. In response, the government underwent a... (GunPolicy.org)
Algeria Authorities Intercept Arms Being Smuggled to Mali
16 April 2013
Magharebia (USA)
Algerian security forces on Saturday (April 13th) intercepted an arms shipment from Libya to terrorists in northern Mali.
Special Forces eliminated five terrorists during the operation. They reportedly belonged to al-Qaeda splinter group Movement for Tawhid and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) and were in charge of protecting the arms shipment.
Wakt El Djazair quoted a security source as saying that a counter-terrorism military unit, supported by two helicopters, was able... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Police Uncover 3 Gun Factories
13 April 2013
Daily Trust (Abuja)
ASABA — Police detectives from Anambra and Delta States have uncovered arms factories in three communities in Delta State.
This is just as residents of Alizomor in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State fled the community after the corpse of ex-Anambra deputy governor Dr. Nwike Chidi was found in the area.
Police spokesman ASP Lucky Uyabeme said the discovery came when detectives stormed the community. He, however, said no arrest has been made.
The body of... (GunPolicy.org)
Portugal,Libya,United States,Guinea-Bissau,Colombia
Alleged FARC Scheme Swapped Cocaine for West African Arms
12 April 2013
InSight Crime (Bogota)
An international police operation has dismantled a network in which Colombian rebel group the FARC allegedly attempted to exchange cocaine for weapons from the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau.
The investigation, involving US, Colombian, Portuguese, and Guinea-Bissau authorities, lasted over a year, reported EFE. Colombian police arrested two men in Bogota who are accused of serving as as the FARC's intermediaries for the West Africa-based weapons suppliers.
On... (GunPolicy.org)
South Africa,Haiti,South Sudan,Sierra Leone,Liberia,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Oceania,Southern Africa,Central America,East Asia,Southern Europe,Western Europe,North Africa,East Africa,South Asia,South America
Some 437,000 People Murdered Worldwide in 2012 - UNODC Study
10 April 2013
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Media release
VIENNA - Almost half a million people (437,000) across the world lost their lives in 2012 as a result of intentional homicide, according to a new study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Launching the Global Study on Homicide 2013 in London today, Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, said: "Too many lives are being tragically cut short, too many families and communities left shattered. There is an urgent need to... (GunPolicy.org)
Niger,Algeria,Tunisia,Somalia,Chad,Palestine,Mali,Liberia,Egypt
Egypt Major Recipient of Illicit Libyan Weapons: UN Report
10 April 2013
Daily News (Egypt)
The United Nations published a report on Tuesday which concludes that weapons used during the Libyan civil war against Muammar Gaddafi are being funnelled at an alarming rate to other countries in the region.
The report said these weapons have been found to be used in the recent war in Mali, the West Bank in Palestine and the ongoing Syrian civil war, with Egypt and the Sahel region receiving the most significant amounts. The report said these weapons are fuelling... (GunPolicy.org)
Concerns in Ghana Over Availability of Guns, Youth Crime
4 April 2013
Spy Ghana (Ghana)
An increasing number of young people are in possession of firearms in the Northern Region, posing an additional risk to the already volatile situation in the area.
The disturbing phenomena was highlighted at the 2012 regional celebration of the West African Security Service Association (WASSA) in Tamale last Thursday when a number of speakers made reference to it and stressed the need to take measures to combat it.
Speaking at the function, the Northern Regional... (GunPolicy.org)
Central Africa,East Africa,Ghana
Over 2,500 Firerms Destroyed Since 2001 in Ghana
26 March 2013
Spy Ghana (Ghana)
Ghana has played a major role in stopping the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and has destroyed over 2,500 weapons since 2001, according to the Member of Parliament for Nadowli-Kaleo Constituency, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Addressing Parliamentarians from 12 countries in Africa on the strides Ghana has made in dealing with the illegal trade in guns, Hon. Bagbin stated that Ghana is an active member of the global efforts to control illicit... (GunPolicy.org)
Germany,Mexico,United Kingdom,Ghana,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa
Arms Trade Treaty Talks Enter Stormy Final Round
26 March 2013
Rappler / Agence France Presse
More than 100 countries complained Monday that talks on a conventional arms trade treaty had gone "backwards" from a vow to conclude a strong accord on the $80 billion a year trade.
The major western powers, who expressed confidence that an accord could be reached, face tough criticism over the treaty as talks at the UN headquarters entered the final straight.
A group representing 103 countries blasted the latest text as a step "backwards."
A statement by the 103,... (GunPolicy.org)
Two Arrested Over Illegal Manufacture and Sale of Guns in Ghana
21 March 2013
Vibe Ghana
Prosper Adewornu alias Dzakpasu Kofi 50, a Blacksmith and his son Safari Daworlo 21, Auto Mechanic and Blacksmith, have been arrested for allegedly manufacturing and selling guns and gun parts at Kakadedzi on Ghana-Togo border.
Two locally manufactured pistols, seven old locally made shotguns and two foreign shotguns, six BB-short-barrel gun cartridges and 39 empty cartridges were retrieved from them.
A grinder, metal boring machine, hammers, a newly made shotgun... (GunPolicy.org)
Romania,Burkina Faso,Poland,Russia,Latvia,Tunisia,Guinea,Senegal,Bulgaria,China,Africa,Europe,Côte d'Ivoire
Arms Proliferation and Abuse Shatter Communities in Côte d'Ivoire - AI
20 March 2013
Amnesty International (London)
Reckless and illegal arms supplies from Europe, Africa and China to the warring parties in Côte d'Ivoire over the past decade continue to fuel grave human rights abuses and violent crime in the country, Amnesty International said in a detailed report launched at the United Nations (UN) headquarters.
The 33-page report, Communities shattered by arms proliferation and abuse in Côte d'Ivoire, documents how a handful of states and a network of multinational arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Activist Urges Nigeria Federal Govt to Commence Small Arms Buyback
20 March 2013
Daily Times (Nigeria)
An Onitsha-based activist, Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi, has urged the Federal Government to commence arms and ammunition buy-back in the country.
Umeagbalasi, Chairman, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, made the call in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday.
He said that the Federal Government should come out with a policy to exchange these small arms surrendered by anyone with money.
Umeagbalasi was reacting to the alleged proliferation of small... (GunPolicy.org)
39,880 Militants' Firearms, Ammunition Handed Over to Nigerian Army
17 March 2013
Vanguard (Lagos)
ENUGU — The 39,880 assorted firearms and ammunition recovered from former militants in the Niger Delta by the inter-agency taskforce set up by the Federal Government have been handed over to the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
A breakdown of the arms handed over on Saturday at the 82 Division's parade ground included the following: 482 automatic arms, 20,132 ammunition, 295 magazines and 18,971 locally made guns.
The General Officer Commanding the 82 Division... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Police Arrest Alleged Arms Supplier in Delta
15 March 2013
Vanguard (Lagos)
WARRI — Police have arrested a community leader, who allegedly armed youths from Orugbene community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State with weapons, including guns and cutlasses, to attack villagers in Asenkiri, a neighbouring community, and forcefully seized their motor-saws and other equipment, penultimate week.
The alleged arms supplier was nabbed following investigations by security agencies into the incident.
An Oborotu community leader, Chief Evans... (GunPolicy.org)
Europe,China,Asia,Americas,Oceania,Kenya,Cuba,Côte d'Ivoire,Africa,Central America,Russia,United States
Women Explain Why an Arms Trade Treaty Can Save Many Lives
7 March 2013
Amnesty International (London), Media release
It is estimated at least half a million people are killed with guns every year and on average a further 200,000 men, women and children die as an indirect result of armed conflicts and violence that are frequently fuelled by the uncontrolled flow of small arms.
And for every person that is killed in an armed conflict, many more are injured and tortured, raped, abused, forcibly disappeared, taken hostage or displaced. Even more have their access to food, water, shelter,... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana Officials say Guns from Cote D'Ivoire, Offer Rewards
21 February 2013
Ghanaian Chronicle
The Bawku Divisional Police Commander, ACP Kweku Buadu-Pepra, says most the sophisticated weapons in Bawku came from neighbouring Cote d' Ivoire during the election conflict that erupted in that country in 2002.
The Bawku Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) recently announced a monetary reward package of GHA¢3,000 for anyone with credible information that could lead to the security agencies retrieving weapons from civilians in the area.
The package also included... (GunPolicy.org)
China,Africa,Côte d'Ivoire,Somalia,Angola,South Africa,Sudan,Zimbabwe,Kenya
Unknown Quantities of Chinese Arms in Africa a Concern
21 February 2013
Star (Kenya), Opinion
Much is being written and said in the media and academic circles about China's increasing engagement with Africa on many economic and other fronts.
Some see this as benefiting Africa; others as detrimental to the real needs of African countries and peoples. Some critics have used phrases like "the second scramble for Africa" and "re-colonization of Africa" to describe the new development. The debate goes on.
Yet, there is one subject that has not received the serious... (GunPolicy.org)
Russia,Nigeria,Madagascar,Guinea
Nigeria Charges Russian 'Gun Dealers' for Smuggling
19 February 2013
BBC News
Fifteen Russian sailors have been charged in a court in Nigeria's main city, Lagos, with illegally bringing weapons into the country.
The crew of the MV Myre Seadiver were denied bail by the High Court, pending a final ruling on Monday.
The Nigerian navy had seized the ship, owned by Moscow-based security firm Moran, last October.
Moran has said the ship had permission to carry arms and had stopped in Lagos to change crew.
The vessel had been travelling from... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghanaian, Nigerian Suspects Caught Allegedly Smuggling Guns
30 January 2013
This Day (Lagos)
It was a perfect façade, so they thought. Who could have suspected that a couple riding in a neat-looking Mercedes Benz car was not what they pretended to be. To an ordinary onlooker, they were mere international travellers, perhaps heading to Nigeria on a pleasure or a business trip.
However, the vigilance of a police patrol team uncovered their evil intention. The duo of Mr. Daniel Ofori, a Ghanaian and his Nigerian counterpart, Ms. Olufumolayo Adeyemo, were nothing... (GunPolicy.org)
Tunisia, Algeria, Libya Work to End Gun Trafficking [FR]
29 January 2013
Jeune Afrique (Paris) / Agence France Presse
[Translated summary: Special forces have been deployed to guard Tunisian oil and gas installations after workers were kidnapped. Tunisia, Algeria and Libya have signed as agreement to address increased trafficking of weapons and other items.]
Dans le centre du pays, à Kasserine, deux agents des forces tunisiennes ont été blessés lors de heurts avec des jihadistes présumés dans la nuit du lundi 28 au mardi 29 janvier. Des forces spéciales sont déployées depuis... (GunPolicy.org)
Mali,Libya,United States,West Africa,Niger
Internationalist Blog: How Libyan Weapons Fueled Mali's Violence
29 January 2013
Council on Foreign Relations, Blog
The violence that has plagued once-stable Mali since late 2011 should have come as no surprise to Western governments, for it is a direct function of NATO's Libyan intervention. By adopting a "light footprint" approach in Libya, the alliance unwittingly contributed to a security vacuum that allowed countless weapons to stream out of Libya and fuel insurgency, extremism, and crime in neighboring countries. One of these countries was Mali, where the flood of weapons from... (GunPolicy.org)
West Africa,East Africa,Kenya,Uganda,Rwanda,Tanzania,Burundi
East Africa Civil Society Calls for Tougher Laws to Curb Illegal Gun Trade
27 January 2013
New Vision (Kampala)
The East Africa Action Network on small arms (EAANSA) has called for tougher laws and increased vigilance among member states of the East African community (EAC) to curb illegal movement of small arms and light weapons.
According to the executive secretary EAANSA, Richard Mugisha, considering that the dynamics and movement of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) transcend the political boarders that divide state parties within East Africa, there is need for increased... (GunPolicy.org)
Czech Republic,Hungary,Côte d'Ivoire,Iran,Guinea,Niger,Russia,South Sudan,China,Uganda,Afghanistan,Nigeria,Kenya,Iraq,Congo (DRC)
Trail of Bullet Casings Leads from Africa's Wars Back to Iran
11 January 2013
New York Times
The first clues appeared in Kenya, Uganda and what is now South Sudan. A British arms researcher surveying ammunition used by government forces and civilian militias in 2006 found Kalashnikov rifle cartridges he had not seen before. The ammunition bore no factory code, suggesting that its manufacturer hoped to avoid detection.
Within two years other researchers were finding identical cartridges circulating through the ethnic violence in Darfur. Similar ammunition then... (GunPolicy.org)
Russia Asks Nigeria to Release Alleged Gun, Ammo Smugglers
10 January 2013
This Day (Lagos)
The Russian government Wednesday called for the immediate release of the 15 sailors arrested by the Nigerian Navy for allegedly smuggling arms into the country.
Nigerian authorities intercepted a ship and arrested its Russian crew on October 23 last year after they found 14 AK-47 rifles guns and 8,500 rounds of ammunition on board.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the sailors were facing a court case initiated "under false pretexts" and that Nigeria broke a promise... (GunPolicy.org)
UK Gun Dealer Jailed for Unlicenced International Weapons Trading
5 December 2012
New York Times / Associated Press
LONDON — A British arms dealer who helped ship thousands of assault rifles and millions of rounds of ammunition from China to Nigeria has been sentenced to seven years in jail.
Gary Hyde was convicted on two counts of breaching U.K. trade controls and concealing criminal property for moving the weapons without a license and hiding more than 620,000 pounds ($1 million) in commission payments.
While the 2006 deal between the Chinese and Nigerian governments was... (GunPolicy.org)
Armed Crime Rate Rising in Liberia, Call for More Police Resources
30 November 2012
New Democrat (Monrovia)
The public fear and anxiety that greeted the sordid activities of armed robbers in and around Monrovia now appear to have receded with residents in many communities no longer complaining of threats posed daring armed robbers.
When the fear engulfed many households at the onset of the end-of-year festivities, police swung into action and imposed a nighttime curfew on motorcyclists seen as providing innocuous conduit to suspected armed robbers bent on making life... (GunPolicy.org)
Somalia,South Africa,Côte d'Ivoire,Sudan,Zimbabwe,United States,China
China 'Aggressively' Supplying Africa With Guns, Military Equipment
28 November 2012
Global Post (Boston)
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — China's aggressive new strategy to sell weapons in Africa was on clear display at a recent defense exposition here.
The pavilion for Chinese manufacturers was among the three largest at the Africa Aerospace and Defense exhibition in September, surpassed only by host South Africa and the United States, the world's largest weapons maker by far.
Many of the made-in-China weapons touted by firms such as Norinco and Poly Technologies were... (GunPolicy.org)
Congo (DRC),United States,Burkina Faso,Tanzania
US Entrepreneurs Turning Thousands of African AK-47s into Jewellery
26 November 2012
New York Times
NEW YORK — As icons go, few things communicate global menace more effectively than the stark silhouette of an AK-47. Designed more than six decades ago by Mikhail Kalashnikov, a former Soviet tank commander, the assault rifle boasts the dubious distinction of being the most abundant and reliable killing device in history.
"In much of the world they are everyman's gun," the New York Times foreign correspondent C.J. Chivers wrote in "The Gun," his 2010 social history... (GunPolicy.org)
Egypt,Niger,Libya,Belgium,Mali,Palestine,Israel
Experts Suspect Belgian-Made Guns Trafficked from Libya to Gaza
19 November 2012
Foreign Policy
There's one big problem with small arms: They don't come with an expiration date. These reliable killing machines pass from dead soldiers to living insurgents, and from a country's armory to a militia's safe house thousands of miles away. As soon as weapons crates cross international borders, arms-producing countries lose control over where they head next - a fact on full display during recent conflicts across the Middle East, and now in the Gaza Strip.
On Nov. 17,... (GunPolicy.org)
North Africa,Libya,Mali,Egypt,Qatar
Concerns Over Weapons Availability, 'Gangster' Culture in Libya
14 November 2012
Qantara (Germany)
Market day in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi. In the old town quarter of Assabri, traders spread out their wares on folding tables and car bonnets: pistols, machine guns, grenades, ammunition. There's even the odd rocket-propelled grenade on offer. Potential buyers lug bags full of bundles of cash; Libya's largest banknote is the ten dinar note.
"Can I try it out?" asks a customer holding the hand of a small child, grabbing hold of an AK-47 and firing it into... (GunPolicy.org)
Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso Re-Commit to Fighting Gun Trafficking, Crime
13 November 2012
Africa Report
Security forces from Ghana, Burkina Faso and Togo have renewed their commitment towards developing new strategies for trans-border cooperation in the area of security, free movement of goods and people, child trafficking, drug smuggling and proliferation of small arms.
At a just ended two-day meeting at Kombissiri, Burkina Faso, they called on their governments to strengthen closer ties in dealing with trans-border crime, which over the years has negatively affected... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria NGOs Blame Illegal Guns for High Crime Rate
9 November 2012
Leadership (Abuja)
A rights group, International Society For Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety has stated that illicit small arms circulating in the country is responsible for the high rate of crime.
The group in a press release made available to LEADERSHIP in Awka said that over 300,000 illicit small arms are circulating in the wrong hands in Anambra State, and that this represent six percent of the entire illicit small arms in circulation in the country.
The release... (GunPolicy.org)
Authorities Catch Gun Runners in Nigeria with Assault Weapons
5 November 2012
Daily Trust (Abuja)
LAFIA — A syndicate of gun runners, led by a native doctor, Daniel Danladi, have been nabbed by a team of men of the State Security Service (SSS) in Nasarawa State.
The team also also recovered three AK47 rifles and a sub-machine gun.
Abubakar Bubuche, state director of the security agency, who paraded the five suspects at the directorate's office in Lafia, on Tuesday afternoon, said charms, as well as 48 rounds of ammunition, were also recovered from the suspects... (GunPolicy.org)
Nigeria Debates Relaxing Gun Laws for Civilians as Crime Rate Escalates
4 November 2012
Leadership (Abuja), Opinion
The rising case of insecurity in the country has given room for many debates, one of which included the creation of state police to tackle the spate of general insecurity in the country. However, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) added a new twist to the whole debate when it recently called the Federal Government to consider the relaxation of gun ownership laws as a way to reduce crime. In other words, he wanted more private citizens to have access to guns. Michael... (GunPolicy.org)