1 March 2012, Addis Ababa; The Project Steering Committee for the AU-EU Project “Fight Against Illicit Accumulation and Trafficking of Firearms in Africa” is holding its 3^rd meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from 1 to 2 March 2012. The project, which is funded by the EU under the Africa-EU Strategic Partnership in Peace and Security, is now in its 3^rd and final year.

The key objective of the meeting is to discuss and agree on the action areas for this final year. The participants include the Regional Economic Communities (COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS, IGAD, and SADC), Regional Intergovernmental Bodies (ICGLR, and RECSA), and Regional Police Bureaux (CAPCCO, EAPCCO, WAPCCO). Also present are representatives of the EU delegation to the AU, UNDP, INTERPOL, and officials from the Security Sector of the Republic of Rwanda.

 

In his speech, the Guest of Honor, Hon. Sheikh Fazil Harerimana, Minister of Internal Security of the Republic of Rwanda, underscored the need for strong coordination in the fight against illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons. He stressed that success in the fight against illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons depends on concerted efforts by Member States through sharing of information. He noted that to ensure effective control against illicit accumulation and trafficking of firearms, weapons must be adequately marked at source to facilitate easy tracking. The workshop was also addressed by Dr. Tarek A. Sharif, Head of Defence and Security Division of the Peace and Security Department in the AU Commission, Dr. Francis Sang, the Executive Secretary of the Regional Centre on Small Arms; Mr. Giorgio Romano, and the EU Delegation to the AU.

 

It is envisaged that the two-day meeting will further strengthen the AU common goal of combating illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in Africa.

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