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WANEP Sensitises NAMs on Small Arms and Light Weapons

Jul 14, 2008, 7:53 AM | Article By: By Nfamara Jawneh

A two-day sensitisation workshop for National Assembly Members and other stakeholders on the issues of small arms and light weapons is underway at the Jerma Beach Hotel in Kololi.

The two-day forum, organised by the West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP), is aimed at raising awareness amongst strategic members of the national assembly and to deepen their understanding in relation to the control and regulation of small arms and light weapons. This can be attained through the establishment of international and regional legal instruments.

In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Pamela Cole, National Network Coordinator of WANEP, recognised the vital role played by the law markers in facilitating The Gambia's ratification of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the support assembly's give to the Global Arms Trade Treaty with a view to combating the proliferation of small arms. She highlighted the need for The Gambia to maintain and cherish the peace and stability it is known for.

In declaring the forum opened, Mrs. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, Speaker of the National Assembly, reaffirmed the august body's commitment to the fortification of small arms and light weapons legislation in the country and in the sub region at as a whole.

She commended WANEP for organising such a forum for the National Assembly Members.