East Africa faces complex and persistent security challenges driven by armed conflicts, political instability and the proliferation and misuse of illicit arms. Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) has noted that the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the region continues to fuel armed conflicts and various forms of armed crime and terrorism.
Saferworld and UNIDIR have noted how the diversion of legally traded arms to the region contributes to regional insecurity and human suffering. This side event provides an opportunity to learn not only about these challenges, but also the measures being taken by States, regional organizations and civil society to counter diversion and the illicit arms trade in East Africa by strengthening transfer controls and regional cooperation.
Panellists will provide insights from a recent meeting in Mombasa, Kenya on how increasing engagement by East African States with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) could further help, as well as a new initiative to strengthen the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol on SALW. Following brief presentations, the event will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities for tackling the illicit arms trade in East Africa, with a particular focus on increasing the number of ATT States Parties in the region.
When and where
Wednesday 27 August 2025, 13:15-14:45 CEST, Room B, Geneva International Conference Centre.
Panellists
• Jacinta Muthoni, Kenya
• Florence Kirabira, Uganda
• Elizabeth Kirkham, Saferworld
• Stephen Mwachofi Singo, Security Research and Information Centre
• Jean-Pierre Betindji, RECSA
Moderator: Paul Holtom, Head, Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, UNIDIR.
Participation
UNIDIR encourages the participation of all State representatives, representatives of international and regional organizations and civil society representatives interested in the issue. Participants do not require registration to the conference to join this side event.
A light lunch will be provided for participants in this side event.
Further information
For any further queries please contact Mae Ballena at mae.ballena@un.org.
In collaboration with
