Africa: Illegal Arms And Africa's Security Dilemma (1)

analysis

Okechukwu Emeh Jr, a social affairs analyst, warns of the dire consequences posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the African continent, if not urgently contained ...

One of the greatest threats to peace, stability and security in nation states in the wake of the lull in the quest for acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, chemical and biological arsenal) in the post-Cold War order is the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALWs). Experts put the number of infantry or military-style weapons in circulation around the world in the region of 500 million, while tens of million of civilian-style rifles, pistols and revolvers are in the hands of private citizens or civilians. It is also estimated that about 300 companies in over 50 countries worldwide are manufacturing small arms and light weapons and their equipment and accessories. Prominent among such countries are China, North Korea and Ukraine.

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