Niger: NATCOM Calls for Strict Sanctions on Importation of Illegal Arms, Light Weapons

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The National Commission Against Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), has called for strict sanctions against the illegal importation of arms and light weapons, saying such has continued to retrogress the growth and development of the nation.

It said sanctions would bolster regional security mechanisms by eliminating external sources of weaponry, adding that the producers and suppliers of the arms and ammunition were not ghosts.

In a statement in Abuja, acting Director General of NATCOM, Dr. Adejare Adegbenro, said while frantic efforts had been made for peaceful and prosperous Africa, the infiltration of arms from external sources had continued to remain a conundrum.

Adegbenro reiterated that from insurgencies and civil wars to banditry and violent crime, the proliferation of arms has dwarfed  the continent’s progress, insisting that sanctions would bolster regional security mechanisms by eliminating external sources of weaponry.

He claimed that, with this, “It would empower regional organisations and governments to address internal threats and promote stability cooperatively.”

He also said implementing effective sanctions against arms producers required careful consideration that must be centered around diplomatic engagement, cooperation between nations, as well as international consensus that were crucial to avoid unintended consequences, such as worsening economic hardships for innocent civilians or inadvertently supporting black market arms trade.

“Infiltration of arms and ammunition from foreign producers heightens these issues, as they often end up in the hands of non-state actors and criminals, perpetuating instability and undermining development efforts.”