Disarmament in Review
From 24 to 25 September 2024, representatives from 19 Eastern and Southern African countries gathered in Gaborone, Botswana, for a regional meeting organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The meeting was funded by the government of Germany. The conference focused on the implementation of the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023. This comprehensive framework is anchored in the fifteen objectives around three structural pillars, namely sustainability, safety, and security, and seeks to prevent diversion, illicit trafficking of ammunition, and unplanned explosions at ammunition sites.
This gathering brought together national representatives, regional organizations, international partners, and civil society groups, including the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC), the Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT), the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), and the Halo Trust.
Over the two days, plenary sessions, small group exercises, and presentations by thematic experts were held to exchange best practices and identify challenges. Regional coordination and information sharing emerged as critical factors for effective ammunition management in Eastern and Southern Africa, with participants emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among states and stakeholders to ensure safer and more secure stockpile management. During the meeting, representatives from RECSA and SADC discussed the gaps, challenges, and recommendations for improving the implementation of the Nairobi Convention and the SADC Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons, specifically regarding through-life conventional ammunition management.
One of the central themes of the conference was the importance of implementing surveillance systems and risk reduction measures to prevent unplanned explosions at ammunition sites. Participants stressed the need for regular monitoring, comprehensive record-keeping, and the updating of national frameworks in line with regional protocols and international standards such as the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG).
In addition to technical discussions, the conference provided a platform to address the broader issues of security. Participants discussed the significance of enhancing tracking, marking, and record-keeping to prevent ammunition from falling into the wrong hands. Cross-border cooperation, supported by advanced technologies, was identified as an essential tool in ensuring that the origins of diverted ammunition are identified and addressed.
Gender inclusion in ammunition management was recognized as a key priority. Participants called for the empowerment of women in the sector by addressing cultural barriers and stereotypes that often limit women’s roles in ammunition management and broader disarmament initiatives.
This regional meeting marks an important step in addressing the ammunition management challenges in East and Southern Africa. As a way forward, participants are expected to build on the insights and recommendations shared during the meeting to strengthen national and regional actions. The inputs gathered during these meetings will inform upcoming analytical papers that will serve as a basis for future interventions.
Looking ahead, the next global conference scheduled for June 2025 in New York will serve as a critical platform for reviewing progress and setting the agenda for the continued implementation of the Global Framework. The conference will launch the dedicated follow-up and review process, providing an opportunity for states, NGOs, and other stakeholders to reaffirm their commitments and explore further actions to enhance ammunition management worldwide.
On the sidelines of the conference, UNODA and UNREC took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with Member States and the Resident Coordinator’s office in Botswana to identify specific gaps and opportunities related to ammunition management. They also met with the SADC Secretariat to discuss challenges in the implementation of regional initiatives, exploring opportunities for further cooperation.
