Study on the Multi- Lateral Instruments and Agreements Aimed at Combating the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to review Multi-lateral Instruments and Agreements targeted at combating small arms and light weapons proliferation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Armed conflicts and the illegal spread of small arms and light weapons are posing a serious danger to most African countries' peace and security. These numbers are far too large to be ignored. Due to the extreme ready availability of weaponry, conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa have grown far too common. Arms trade has developed into a well-established and profitable business. It, like other sectors, is becoming more worldwide. Regional agreements and measures have been made over the last decade to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Sub-Saharan Africa. The lack of comprehensive national legislation on SALW, along with the lack of political will of most leaders in Sub-Saharan African countries, has harmed the efficiency and implementation of these instruments governing the management of SALW, according to this article. Regional tools, on the other hand, have aided global norm-building in the best circumstances by establishing institutional frameworks that lead to regional coordination of small arms action.