A fundamental problem identified during discussions was related to the need to enhance information sharing, not only between governments but also regional and subregional organisations, academics, researchers and civil society. The recommendations generated have been grouped into three areas. Those relating to governmental actions, non-governmental activities and thirdly areas for further co-operation. Although some are more specific than others in terms of actions and players identified, all to some degree cross over the various categorisations. For example, prioritising the issue of small arms is as important at a governmental/organisational level as it is at a local, civil society level.

Enhancing Existing Structures

Prioritising small arms as a security issue. It was realised early on that, in order for further action to be undertaken, it was necessary for countries to recognise the issue of small arms proliferation as being relevant to their own, and regional, security concerns. The suggested means of doing this included continuing, amongst others: to hold conferences and seminars that bring together practitioners and those who hold policy-making positions within governments to get them involved in the issue; to engage civil society in the issue; and to provide research information on the effects of small arms proliferation.



Region to region exchanges. Realising the importance of greater awareness of current and past initiatives in other regions in Africa (and from other parts of the world), the conference participants felt that the sharing of this knowledge, through the exchange of personnel, for example between regional organisations or research institutes, conferences and seminars and through an envisaged electronic network, was of importance. Included in this recommendation is recognition of the need to identify and address linguistic and cultural differences that might impact on the issue of controlling weapons proliferation.



Utilisation of Interpol subregional office. The Interpol representative urged the use of the Interpol subregional offices (in Abidjan, Harare and opening in Nairobi) as a way for police services to exchange information across regions. The other noted benefit was access to Interpol’s extensive IWETS database (discussed in Section Two) and the opportunity for greater international interactions and knowledge of current issues of relevance to African countries.



Improving resources for control measures. The control of weapons, to prevent further diffusion of existing weapons and the proliferation of new stocks, was identified as a key area for intervention. Providing sufficient resources, including manpower, training, information systems and equipment, to enable agencies responsible for undertaking border control to do their job, was noted. Reports of the experience of countries who have successfully undertaken co-ordinated cross-border activities should be circulated to other interested countries (e.g., the experience of South Africa and Mozambique).



Improving resources for data gathering and dissemination. A lack of available information, and the difficulties in disseminating information that had been collected were identified as areas that could be improved. A role was identified for countries, regional organisations and non-governmental organisations in collecting and making information available. Interpol and its regional bureaux were noted as being in a position to act as depositories and disseminators of information relevant to its work. The need for capacity-enhancing equipment was also recognised (including training and computers).

Roles for Civil Society and Non-governmental Organisations

Role of non-governmental organisations. The role that non-governmental organisations, including research, policy, advocacy and academic institutions, can play in the provision and exchange of information was noted as an area in which further action should be undertaken. Non-governmental organisations were also identified as likely providers of facilitation and training expertise.



Prioritising small arms as a security issue. It was realised early on that, in order for further action to be undertaken, it was necessary for civil society to assist countries in prioritising the issue of small arms as a security concern. The suggested means of doing this includes continuing, amongst others: to hold conferences and seminars that bring together practitioners and those who hold policy-making positions within governments to get them involved in the issue; to engage civil society in the issue; and to provide research information on the effects of small arms proliferation.



Education. The need to increase the public’s awareness of the issue of weapons was raised. It was suggested that the UNESCO education package on reducing the culture of violence be studied and modified to include a focus on firearms as tools of violence.



Youth, poverty, crime and firearms. The possible linkages between youth, unemployment, arms and violence were noted as an area for further research. It was suggested that statistics be collected and analysed to look for potential correlations.



Role of the police in the African state. It was suggested that a study be undertaken on the role of the police in the African state, which would assess both the positive and negative influence they may have on governance, democratisation and development.

Co-ordination

National co-ordination on small arms issues. The need for countries to recognise and prioritise the issue of small arms was raised as a recommendation by the conference. The identification of countries as source (not necessarily manufacturers), transit and end-use countries will assist them in identifying where they fit in the process and will help in the formulation of national policy that not only addresses domestic needs but also assists in regional controls. (South Africa, for example, is both a source and end-use country, while Namibia is largely a transit country.)



Regional co-ordination on legislation. The need for countries to be aware of, and ultimately co-ordinate, legislation on small arms, was raised as an important element in preventing the further proliferation of these weapons. This should include the exchange of information on national policies regarding civilian ownership, as well as information on import, export and transit requirements. The eventual harmonisation of the latter category of regulation should lead to improved control in preventing illicit arms trafficking.



Co-ordination between regions. Given the large number of current initiatives that have been developed regionally (including those of the EU and the OAS, in addition to those discussed at the conference), it was suggested that co-ordination between regions, including regional organisations and non-governmental organisations be encouraged on issues of common relevance. This could include the exchange of information, but should also consider the incorporation of other issues, for example exchange of people and technical expertise. In this regard, the representative of the EU noted the ongoing collaboration between that body and countries of Southern Africa, both bilaterally and through the SADC.