The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN) has emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive small arms control as a critical step toward achieving sustainable peace across Africa. Speaking at the Youth Model African Summit in Abuja, GPFN Director John Joseph Hayab outlined a multifaceted approach to addressing the continent’s insecurity crisis, linking disarmament efforts to broader socio-economic development.
Hayab stressed the importance of community-driven disarmament programs, coupled with initiatives that empower individuals economically. “Scaling up community-centered disarmament programs alongside economic empowerment initiatives is essential to addressing the root causes of insecurity,” he stated, underscoring the interconnectedness of poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms in fueling cycles of violence.
Empowering youth, he noted, is particularly critical. As both potential victims and perpetrators of armed violence, young people must be actively engaged in peacebuilding efforts. By providing opportunities for education, employment, and participation in governance, African nations can create pathways that steer youth away from violence and foster a culture of peace.
A key recommendation from Hayab was the development of a centralized African Union (AU) database to monitor arms flows and trafficking patterns across the continent. Reliable and accessible data, he argued, is indispensable for policymakers to design targeted interventions that address specific challenges in arms control and conflict prevention.
“We must develop a centralized AU database on arms flows and trafficking patterns. Reliable data will help policymakers design targeted interventions,” he said. This initiative would enhance transparency and accountability while facilitating coordinated action among African states.
The GPFN director also called for stronger legislation and regional cooperation to curb the proliferation of small arms. Enhanced border security measures, better law enforcement training, and cross-border intelligence sharing were among the strategies he highlighted.
Hayab advocated for the harmonization of national arms control policies with regional frameworks, such as those established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). “We need stronger legislation and regional cooperation to tackle this issue effectively,” he added, pointing to the success of joint operations in reducing arms trafficking in certain regions as a model for broader implementation.
The proliferation of small arms remains one of Africa’s most pressing security challenges. According to the Small Arms Survey, there are more than 100 million small arms in circulation across the continent, with 80% held by civilians. These weapons are implicated in over 70% of violent conflicts in Africa, perpetuating cycles of instability, displacement, and economic stagnation.
“Small arms have become tools for violence, disrupting communities, and undermining development,” Hayab noted, adding that the unchecked flow of arms exacerbates existing tensions and facilitates organized crime, terrorism, and insurgencies.
Central to Hayab’s message was the role of youth in breaking the cycles of violence. By engaging young people as peacebuilders, African nations can harness their potential to drive positive change. Civil society organizations, governments, and international partners must collaborate to create inclusive platforms that amplify youth voices and involve them in decision-making processes.
“Youth engagement in peacebuilding is key to breaking the cycles of violence,” Hayab emphasized. “It is time to recognize their role as agents of change and invest in their future.”
The GPFN’s advocacy highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity in Africa. By combining disarmament with socio-economic empowerment, strengthening legislative frameworks, and fostering regional collaboration, the continent can take meaningful steps toward peace.
As Africa grapples with the far-reaching impacts of small arms proliferation, the call for decisive and coordinated action becomes ever more urgent. The Youth Model African Summit served as a platform to rally stakeholders around a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous Africa, where armed violence is no longer a barrier to progress.
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