The event provides an opportunity to examine African subregional approaches to addressing illicit arms and ammunition proliferation and misuse. It is co-organized by UNIDIR’s Conventional Weapons Programme, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Regional Centre on Small Arms.
A milestone anniversary can be an important moment to reflect, take stock of achievements and obstacles overcome and consider new challenges and opportunities ahead. Since 2021, several African subregional small arms and light weapons (SALW) control instruments have marked their 20th anniversaries by reviewing implementation and updating their key provisions.
The 20th anniversaries of the adoption of the SADC Firearms Protocol in 2021 and the Nairobi Protocol on SALW in 2024 prompted reviews of these subregional arms control instruments. The ECOWAS Convention on SALW marked its 20th anniversary in June 2026. This makes it a timely moment to consider progress, common challenges and new and emerging threats and opportunities in addressing the illicit proliferation and misuse of arms and ammunition as part of African efforts to foster peace, security and sustainable development.
During the event, experts will share lessons learned from the reviews of the SADC Firearms Protocol and Nairobi Protocol on SALW and consider priorities for a review of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW. The event will highlight implementation progress and examine longstanding SALW control challenges and new and emerging arms-related threats.
Speakers
- Thanyani Gumede, Senior Officer for Police, Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation
- Jean-Pierre Betindji, Executive Secretary, Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons
- Abayomi Adeomi, Programme Officer, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Economic Community of West African States Commission
Moderator
- Dr Paul Holtom, Head of the Conventional Weapons Programme, UNIDIR
When and where
Tuesday, 15 September 2026 | 15:00 – 16:30 CEST | Online
Check your local time here.
Participants
The co-organizers encourage the participation of representatives and experts from States, the United Nations, regional organizations, civil society and academia who are interested in strengthening arms and ammunition control in Africa.
Language
This event will be held in English, with interpretation in French.
RSVP
For participation, please register here.
Further information
For any questions, please contact cap-unidir@un.org.
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