The Theoretical Parameters of the Proliferation and Regulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Africa

Abstract

The political history of the African continent clearly shows that over the years the continent has passed through series of political, economic and social crises with an unimaginable impact and consequences on the continent. Post-colonial Africa is bedevilled with series of serious security threats and challenges such as terrorism, ethno-religious conflicts, climate change, environmental degradation, epidemics and the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) among others. The proliferation of illicit arms and weapons has become a perennial threat to the African continent as it has increased the level of insecurity, and further promoted crises in different sub-regions. This chapter therefore examined the alternative theoretical parameters for dissecting the proliferation of SALWs in Africa with a view to identifying and interrogating the drivers of SALWs proliferation. The chapter reveals that the proliferation of SALWs is precipitated by several pull and push factors within and outside the continent. It also indicates that existing regional and sub-regional strategies for combating SALW have not achieved the desired goal as they are mainly constrained by the lack of political will by member states and most of these strategies are not time bound. It recommends, amongst others, the need for more commitment on the part of African leaders especially in terms of ensuring good governance since the failure of states is a major reason for the proliferation of SALWs.