The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is adjudged as the major security challenge to people, societies and states worldwide, fueling conflicts, organized crime, human and drug trafficking, armed robbery and abduction among others.
This week’s edition of In The Sahel, will focus on the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Across the African continent, more than 40 million small arms are being held by non-state actors including private individuals, registered businesses such as private companies, and non-state armed groups.
A report by the African Union AU disclosed that almost 80% of these small arms are unregistered and unmarked, therefore very difficult to trace for investigation and prosecution purposes.