The “Partners for Transparency” organization concluded its webinar entitled “Lack of transparency and accountability in arms transfers exacerbates conflicts in Africa,” on the sidelines of preparations for the eleventh Common Security Policy Conference, during which experts discussed various visions, challenges and solutions.

The webinar called for finding “African solutions to African problems” 🌍, through taking effective measures, most notably:

 Strengthening regional coordination and cooperation to intensify monitoring of arms transfers in Africa

 Uniting the political will among African governments to combat illicit arms transfers to the continent

Renewing the incentive to adhere to the ethical principles of the Arms Trade Treaty

Dr. David Atwood

Independent consultant in the field of arms proliferation and armed violence

 “The hope of making an impact and increasing transparency through improved reporting on arms transfers must always be placed within the broader normative context that explains why these tools were developed.”

Dr. Guy Lamb

Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Stellenbosch University

 “There are high levels of political commitment to certain issues in the African continent, but the resources available to act on them are limited.”

Boniface Chimpe

The Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union, Chairperson of the Peace and Security Group

“One of the biggest challenges facing Africa is the inadequacy of reporting and transparency mechanisms… A suitable financing mechanism is needed for States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty.”

Eva Ertel

Researcher at the National Committee for Small Arms and Light Weapons in Ghana

“Despite the robust framework of the Arms Trade Treaty, its implementation in Africa is lagging due to weak national control systems, weak political will, and the proliferation of illicit arms flows from uncontrolled points of entry.”

Sengo Mwashofi

Deputy Director of the Security Research and Information Centre in Kenya

“Uncontrolled arms transfers are a major driver of instability in Africa and require a multi-layered response.”