Supporting implementation of ECOWAS SALW Convention ARTICLE 10

Implementing agency: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Project timeframe: 01/01/2019 – 31/12/2019

Target countries: West Africa – ECOWAS Commission

Goal: Enable the implementation of global arms regulation instruments at the sub-regional level in West Africa by installing and implementing the Arms Transfer Database and related technical solutions. The ECOWAS Convention, the UNPoA, and the ATT all require governments to improve record-keeping systems, and to collect data for use in periodic/annual reports of arms transfers. The technical solutions in this project are customized to the specific needs of the ECOWAS Commission’s SALW Division and will enable the Commission to manage the “Exemptions” process of the ECOWAS.

Activities: The Arms Transfers Database will enable ECOWAS Commission to:

* keep track of all imports, exports and other transfers of SALW and related ammunition into ECOWAS countries, thereby improving transparency and supporting reporting activities for international agreements;

* enable the ECOWAS Commission to ‘mirror’ transfer reports with national authorities so that points of diversion of SALW and ammunition are cut off; and

* improve decision-making processes at the sub-regional level by monitoring and tracking all arms transfers into and out of the region.