Proliferation of small arms and light weapons

The move by ECOWAS to hold a three-day meeting, on the exemption procedures to the ECOWAS convention on small arms and light weapons in Banjul, is indeed a step in the right direction.

It is undisputable that our part of the world is faced with so many challenges, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

The ECOWAS meeting in Banjul will, no doubt, upscale the understanding of participants on the theme for discussion.

We, therefore, urge the member states to be more proactive in the campaign against proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

We also call on all and sundry in the sub-region to work hand-in-glove in promoting the culture of peace and security.

This is so, because it will enhance sustainable development and help create the enabling environment for the attainment of the MDGs and other development endeavours.

We do believe that in order to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in our sub-region, there is a need to intensify efforts, including holding a national public dialogue on small arms and light weapons.

Indeed, there is a need to work harder to effectively address the menace of small arms and light weapons proliferation in West Africa.