The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), has launched a key baseline assessment on weapons and ammunition management (WAM) in Senegal, aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
The four-day meeting, which runs from April 8 to 11 in Dakar, is being organized through ECOWAS’ Small Arms Division with technical backing from UNIDIR.
The assessment seeks to enhance high-level coordination around national arms and munitions management, while aligning Senegal’s security strategies with regional and international standards.
In his opening remarks, Colonel Crespin Arsène Sambou, Permanent Secretary of Senegal’s Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (COMNAT/ALPC), praised ECOWAS and UNIDIR for choosing Senegal as the host of the evaluation.
He encouraged participants to share best practices and lessons learned in arms management.
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Speaking on behalf of UNIDIR, Mohamed Lamine Coulibaly highlighted the critical role the evaluation plays in enhancing Senegal’s capacity to manage conventional arms and ammunition effectively.
He also underscored the importance of international collaboration in curbing the spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW) across West Africa.
Representing ECOWAS, Zelma Fassinou, the organization’s Resident Representative in Senegal, conveyed the message of Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
She reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting Member States with effective arms control policies and commended UNIDIR for its continued technical support and capacity-building efforts across the region.
On behalf of Senegal’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Mame Madior Sow, Director of Cabinet, said the initiative was a timely intervention in enhancing national security and regional stability.
“The Government of Senegal cannot fail to acknowledge the invaluable role played by ECOWAS and COMNAT/ALPC partners in promoting peace and security,” she stated.
The assessment, according to her, will evaluate existing national structures, identify gaps, and recommend approaches to improve weapons and ammunition management.
