Mombasa, Kenya – The Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), in collaboration with Saferworld and the Security Research and Information Centre (SRIC), convened the Ninth Meeting of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Expert Group from July 29-30, 2025. The two-day regional meeting, held at the Travellers Beach Hotel in Mombasa, brought together 40 high-level representatives from RECSA Member States to discuss accession to and implementation of the ATT. The forum was a vital preparatory step ahead of the Eleventh Conference of States Parties (CSP11) to the ATT, scheduled for August 2025.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Kenya’s State Department of Interior and National Administration, presided over the opening ceremony. In his keynote address, he underscored the ATT’s significance in enhancing regional security and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to acceding to the Treaty at the earliest opportunity. He urged other Member States in the region to follow suit as a measure of collective security. Other high-level speakers included Ambassador Foradori, Head of the ATT Secretariat Carina Solmirano, and RECSA Executive Secretary Mr. Jean-Pierre Betindji.
The meeting focused on key regional security priorities through expert-led presentations and interactive discussions. The main themes included:
The origins, scope, and benefits of the ATT.
The link between illicit arms flows and regional insecurity.
The value of the ATT in preventing arms diversion, improving control systems, and mitigating gender-based violence.
Practical measures for implementation, such as legislation, export and import controls, and transparency mechanisms.
The event concluded with a strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustained international support. RECSA reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the ATT’s objectives, which align with its mandate under the Nairobi Protocol and the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative. The Centre will continue to provide technical assistance and policy support to Member States to facilitate ATT accession and implementation, contributing to a safer East African region.