ECOWAS and UNIDIR organise a Weapons and Ammunitions Management baseline assessment in Senegal

From 8 to 11 April 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Small Arms Division, in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Re-search (UNIDIR), is organising a meeting for the Weapons and Ammunitions Management base-line assessment in Senegal.

The main objective of the evaluation is to improve high-level coordination on arms and ammunition management at the national level.

It will also strengthen the country's capacity to combat the illicit proliferation of small arms and their ammunition, establish a national coordination mechanism for arms and ammunition management, contribute to the review of national security strategies and policies, assess progress in the implementation of regional instruments and strategies and improve the development of a national strategy for arms and ammunition management.

In his opening remarks, Colonel Crespin Arsène Sambou, Permanent Secretary of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission (COMNAT/ALPC) of Senegal, congratulated the ECOWAS Commission and UNIDIR for holding this evaluation process in Senegal.

He then invited all the stakeholders present to share their experience in terms of good practices in weapons management.

Representing UNIDIR, Mr. Mohamed Lamine Coulibaly, a researcher for the Conventional Arms and Ammunition Programme, emphasized the importance of this assessment in strengthening Senegal's capacity to effectively manage arms and ammunition. He also highlighted the need for international cooperation to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in West Africa.

Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, represented by Her Excellency Mrs. Zelma FASSINOU, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal, highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting Member States in implementing effective policies and strategies for arms and ammunition management. Ambassador Fatau also emphasized the importance of this series of assessments in Member States. He also commended UNIDIR for its efforts in supporting capacity-building initiatives and its unwavering commitment to improving the technical capabilities of Member States.

The Minister of the Armed Forces, represented by his Director of Cabinet, Mrs. Mame Madior SOW, before declaring the meeting open, stressed the importance of this assessment for national security and regional stability.

"The Government of Senegal cannot overlook the valuable role that the ECOWAS Commission and the COMNAT/ALPC partners play in promoting peace and security, to the great satisfaction of the highest authorities and our people. While wishing your work every success," she added.

This baseline assessment will identify existing capacities and areas for improvement, and provide possible options and approaches to strengthen national arms and ammunition management institutions, processes and procedures, including through international cooperation and assistance.

The results of the assessment will support the review, updating and development of a new national roadmap by the Senegalese government and its international partners to strengthen national arms and ammunition management frameworks.