Disarmament in Review
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) conducted a mission from 9 to 13 December in partnership with Burundi’s National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW). The mission aimed to address arms marking, control challenges, the development of a national action plan on SALW as well as to foster stronger collaborations among key stakeholders.
A central focus of the mission was to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of Burundi’s arms marking facilities using the Modular Small-arms-control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) standards. Via visits to various arms storage and marking facilities as well as through focus group discussions, the assessment identified a significant need for technical training in arms marking and better equipment maintenance. These findings will guide the development of targeted strategies to strengthen Burundi’s capacity to effectively manage small arms and light weapons.
Mission personnel engaged with defense and security authorities to advocate for the ratification of key international treaties, including the Kinshasa Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa also encouraged participation in Africa Amnesty Month, a vital initiative that promotes the voluntary surrender of arms to foster peace and security. Discussions with the UN Country Team emphasized the importance of integrating SALW-related priorities into broader peacebuilding and development frameworks such as the UN’s Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Additionally, UNREC provided support in drafting a National Action Plan (NAP) aimed at curbing the proliferation of SALW. A three-day workshop, held as part of the mission, brought together thirty participants, including government officials, civil society representatives, and international experts. Workshop participants underscored the need to align national strategies with international standards, drawing on lessons learned from other countries, such as the Central African Republic. Participants also highlighted the importance of inclusive strategies that actively engage women and youth in disarmament initiatives. The alignment of national arms control efforts with broader regional and global frameworks was also addressed at the workshop.
Furthermore, UNREC stressed the importance of building robust national capacities on an urgent basis to securely manage arms and ammunition, and warned that the proliferation of illicit SALW posed a grave threat to both vulnerable populations and national security. Participants explored key technical aspects of arms control, such as weapon marking and traceability. A joint study by the African Union and the Small Arms Survey estimates that more than 40 million small arms and light weapons are circulating across Africa, with 80% unmarked and unregistered, making them nearly impossible to trace. Workshop participants also examined sustainable solutions for managing stockpiles and the promotion of regional cooperation through partnerships with organizations like RECSA.
Générose Ngendanganya, President of CNAP, commended Burundi’s progress in combating SALW proliferation, particularly the successes achieved through the implementation of national action plans supported by a variety of partners. Lieutenant General André Ndayambaje, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Community Development, and Public Security, highlighted Burundi’s leadership in the region, noting its selection as the host for a Center of Excellence on Disarmament.
The mission had several key outcomes: increased public awareness, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and strengthened local capacities to address SALW challenges. Moving forward, priorities for Burundi will include acquiring new marking machines, conducting specialized training programs, finalizing the NAP through consultative processes, and advocating for the adoption of international SALW treaties. Efforts will also concentrate on integrating SALW issues into Burundi’s national development strategies, in partnership with the UN Country Team.
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa’s December mission reaffirms its commitment to supporting Burundi’s pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable development. As the country approaches a pivotal election year, these collaborative efforts will be crucial in fostering stability, reducing risks, and enhancing national cohesion. The mission also serves as a concrete step forward in implementing the UNODA global initiative to promote the integration of arms control in the United Nations national sustainable development planning processes.
