Newsletter
Reflecting on 2024
Achievements and the Path Forward
Message from the
Executive Secretary
Key Achievements Under the
RECSA Strategic Plan 2022–2026
Coordination of SALW Control Interventions
Pivotal meetings with Key Leaders and Partners
The Executive Secretary held pivotal meetings with key leaders and stakeholders, including the African Union Commissioner, UNODC’s Chief of Global Firearms Programme, Cabinet and Principal Secretaries from Kenya, and officials from Rwanda, DRC, RECSA Member States, and others. These meetings underscore RECSA’s commitment to advancing the Nairobi Protocol’s implementation and strengthening partnerships.
Meetings with RECSA Diplomatic Missions based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Mr. Betindji led outreach efforts to eight RECSA Member States’ diplomatic representatives in Nairobi. These discussions focused on building networks to address challenges in ratifying and implementing the Nairobi Protocol. The meetings emphasized collective actions for regional cooperation in arms control, ensuring stronger diplomatic ties for effective policy implementation across the region.
REVCON 4
At the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons Review Conference (REVCON 4) in June 2024, RECSA reaffirmed its commitment to the Common African Position on Small Arms. This unified stance seeks to harmonize national laws, foster regional action plans, and enhance cross-border cooperation, addressing emerging challenges in small arms proliferation.
Promotion of ATT in Member States
RECSA has intensified efforts to promote the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) across Member States. Through technical support and high-level meetings, countries like Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan have aligned their laws with ATT provisions. RECSA’s leadership in the 10th ATT Conference highlighted the importance of responsible arms transfers and the role of implementation agencies.
Regional Action Plan for WAM in DDR Context
RECSA adopted the Regional Action Plan for Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) in Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) contexts. This milestone action plan strengthens weapons management within DDR processes, offering clear guidelines for Member States to prevent armed violence and promote sustainable peace. It addresses illicit arms management for a safer future.
RECSA Harmonized Reporting Tool:
The RECSA Harmonized Reporting Tool was adopted to monitor and report progress under the Nairobi Protocol. This tool standardizes data collection, analysis, and reporting on small arms control. It enhances transparency, accountability, and regional alignment in combating illicit arms proliferation, empowering Member States to improve reporting efficiency and capacity for addressing SALW challenges.
Meeting with the Chief of UNODC Firearms Trafficking Section:
At the 12th UNTOC Conference, the Executive Secretary participated in discussions on the Firearms Protocol. RECSA held high-level talks with the Chief of the UNODC Firearms Trafficking Section, focusing on legislative alignment, cross-border cooperation, and international firearms tracing systems. This lays the groundwork for future collaboration on controlling illicit firearms trafficking.
92nd INTERPOL General Assembly Meeting:
RECSA attended the INTERPOL 92nd General Assembly in Glasgow, where over 195 countries gathered. The RECSA delegation highlighted its efforts in combating illicit small arms proliferation and engaged in discussions with key stakeholders. These engagements strengthened RECSA’s partnerships in law enforcement, fostering cooperation to address arms control and enhance regional security.
Regional Conference on Cross-Border Trafficking in Small Arms:
RECSA participated in a regional conference hosted by DRC in Goma, focusing on cross-border trafficking of small arms. Experts discussed challenges like border porosity and coordinated arms transfer controls. Recommendations included bilateral cooperation, joint border commissions, capacity building, and using technology for enhanced border management to combat illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
15th RECSA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting:
The 15th RECSA TAC Meeting in Nairobi, attended by key figures including Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, featured discussions on combating small arms proliferation. Participants, including government experts and police chiefs, emphasized enhanced coordination and resource mobilization. The meeting was a critical step toward strengthening regional efforts to tackle the illicit arms trade and promote security.
Adaptive Research, Public Awareness, and Education
AAM in CAR
In September 2024, RECSA and the AUC launched Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) in Bangui, marking the 20th Anniversary of the AU Peace and Security Council. The event highlighted voluntary illicit arms surrender under immunity conditions, symbolized by weapons destruction. Targeted support in CAR, Rwanda, and Djibouti included public awareness campaigns and strengthening national weapon management.
AAM in Rwanda
On September 23, 2024, Rwanda launched Africa Amnesty Month at Gishari Police Training School. The campaign promoted weapon surrender awareness and delivered a five-day Physical Security and Stockpile Management training for defense and security personnel. From September 30 to October 4, 2024, a community-based policing sensitization workshop was conducted for police officers, rangers, and security providers.
AAM in Djibouti
During Africa Amnesty Month celebrations, Djibouti hosted impactful events uniting defense personnel, civil society, and community members in the fight against illicit arms. A symbolic march demonstrated solidarity, culminating in the destruction of unserviceable weapons. This powerful display reflected Djibouti’s commitment to the African Union's “Silence the Guns by 2030” goal, showcasing unity and peace.
Institutional Development and Capacity Building
Regional Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) Training
RECSA Secretariat conducted a successful PSSM training in Nairobi, equipping 50 participants from law enforcement agencies in Tanzania, Seychelles, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, Eritrea, and Somalia. The training followed International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and MOSAIC standards, providing essential skills to enhance security and weapons stockpile management across the region.
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Training
RECSA Secretariat organized a one-week Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Awareness training for 25 Kenya Administration Police officers. Focused on border threats, the program targeted units stationed in high-risk areas, including the Rapid Deployment Unit, Border Police Unit, and Anti-Stock Theft Unit. The training addressed rising IED challenges, enhancing response capacity and regional security preparedness.
Handover of Modular Containerized Armories
RECSA Secretariat handed over two modular containerized armories to Kenya’s government while training over 70 security personnel in weapons and ammunition management. Designed to improve storage, security, and accountability of state-owned stockpiles, these modular armories mark a significant milestone in strengthening small arms control and advancing regional security capabilities.
Staff Sensitization Training on Ammunition
RECSA Secretariat partnered with GICHD and UNODA to conduct specialized staff sensitization training on ammunition management. The training aimed to build awareness, technical knowledge, and skills for effective ammunition handling, aligning with international best practices. It marked an important step toward ensuring safety, accountability, and strengthened capacity across regional arms management initiatives.
Mainstreaming Special Interest Groups
Youth, Peace, and Security Workshop
The RECSA Secretariat participated in the Youth, Peace, and Security Workshop from September 25-27, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, marking nine years of UNSCR 2250. The event brought together youth representatives, decision-makers, and stakeholders to foster intergenerational dialogue, share best practices, and develop strategies aimed at conflict prevention and promoting sustainable peace across the region.
Gender Mainstreaming
At the Regional Conventional Ammunition Management Conference in Gaborone, the RECSA Secretariat presented on gender in ammunition management, highlighting its regional perspective. The Secretariat remains committed to promoting gender mainstreaming, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and the active participation of women in achieving sustainable security outcomes in ammunition management and regional arms control efforts.
Priorities for 2025
Areas Requiring Support
Resource Mobilization
In 2025, RECSA emphasizes the importance of resource mobilization to implement the Nairobi Protocol effectively. We call upon our partners, stakeholders, and Member States to collaborate in mobilizing necessary resources, sharing expertise, and building strategic partnerships. This collective effort will ensure the successful achievement of the Protocol's objectives, strengthening regional peace and security, and promoting the prevention, control, and reduction of small arms and light weapons.
Capacity Building
To address emerging threats, such as 3D-printed firearms and online arms markets, RECSA aims to enhance regional capacity-building programs. By organizing targeted training workshops and expanding technical assistance programs, RECSA will empower Member States to address these new security risks. These efforts are essential to strengthening national and regional responses, equipping security agencies with the tools, knowledge, and expertise required to combat evolving arms trafficking challenges effectively.
Policy Advocacy
RECSA is intensifying its policy advocacy efforts to promote the ratification and implementation of the Nairobi Protocol and other key arms control instruments. A priority for 2025 is reviewing and updating the Agreement Establishing RECSA while enhancing data collection mechanisms. This will provide more robust, evidence-based insights to inform policy and strategies. RECSA is also advocating for greater international cooperation and policy alignment to foster regional security, promoting shared responsibility in arms regulation.
Spotlight
Arming with Knowledge
In support of the RECSA Gender Policy the Austrian Ministry of Defence is establishing a course for Women ammunition technical experts from 24th March to 5th April 2025 at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya. Grounded in the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the program will provide participants with advanced skills and knowledge, while also fostering a network of female experts in the field. This training is a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity and strengthening capacity in ammunition management across the RECSA region.