Concord Times (Freetown)
Abdul Karim Koroma
14 June 2007
Freetown — Kalashnikov assault rifles, commonly known as AK47 riffles, are now being sold freely in Africa for US$50, according to findings released by International Network on Small Arms, IANSA.
The survey coincided with this year's Global Week of Action, which runs from 11-17 June, and is being observed by anti-gun campaigners worldwide.
The event in Sierra Leone is being coordinated by the Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) and this year's celebration is themed: "Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence." "In the 60 years since the AK47 came into service (in 1947), nearly 22 million people have been killed by small arms. Many of these people died by the barrel of a Kalashnikov - not just in Africa, but in many other countries around the world. It is estimated that up to 100 million of these weapons are in circulation globally," the study revealed.
SLANSA's Programme Assistant, Abu-Bakarr Sheriff told Concord Times that perhaps most alarming is the fact that these riffles are so cheap and easy to buy in some places.
"This week of action recognizes the fact that we all have a responsibility to stop gun violence and reduce the availability of weapons. Governments, civil society, business and individuals must cooperate on these issues to save lives and create safer societies," he said.
Sheriff maintained, "Kalashnikovs in particular are frequently used by criminals, terrorists and even by some security forces to commit serious human rights violations. They're easy to use and easy to maintain.
This is why they are the killing machine of choice in many countries of the world."
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