SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS PROLIFERATION INWEST AFRICA: AN INQUIRY INTO THE ROLE OF THE ECONMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES(ECOWAS) IN SILENCING THE GUNS

Abstract

The West Africa sub-region is characterized by violent conflicts and proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). Large amounts of weapons have found their way into the region accompanied by gross misuse by state and non-state actors alike. The widespread availability of small arms to abusive actors, poses a threat of unprecedented magnitude to the sub-region. Owing to this proliferation, the sub-region may likely selfdestruct. Given this concern, this work examined ECOWAS attempt at fighting against this challenge. The work showed that, there are over one hundred million illicit SALW in the sub-region, responsible for armed conflict in the sub region despite the un-relented efforts of ECOWAS to eradicate the menace. The study further revealed that ECOWAS Convention which seeks to combat the excessive accumulation of SALW within the sub region is nothing but a mirage as a result of weak national controls and lack of international cooperation on arms control that have led to the proliferation of these weapons. It was discovered that, the greatest barrier to resolving debates over gun policy in the sub region, is the lack of comprehensive data and political will among the states. This study offered the following recommendations: member states need to compliment ECOWAS efforts to fight against illicit use of SALW and harmonize their efforts in executing internal initiatives, international implementation and enforcement of national and international arms embargoes must be improved and constant road checks need to be organized with the aim of apprehending the individuals being sought and preventing trafficking in arms and ammunition. There is also the need to build a robust intelligent network among the ECOWAS member states that can provide a comprehensive information on the movement of SALW for swift apprehension.