The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has become a pressing issue globally, contributing to conflicts, destabilizing governance, and worsening humanitarian crises. The ownership of firearms among civilians has reached alarming levels, with a significant portion of the one billion firearms in circulation being in civilian hands.
A report by Small Arms Survey reveals that as of 2017, 857 million firearms were owned by civilians, 133 million by military arsenals, and 23 million by law enforcement agencies. This civilian stockpile has grown substantially over the past decade, from 650 million in 2006 to 857 million in 2017.
In Africa, the arms market has seen a surge in weapon sales post-Cold War, with many arms manufacturers targeting the continent as a lucrative market. This has led to the availability of inexpensive and easily obtainable weapons like AK-47s, fueling conflicts and violence across regions like the Sahel, Central Africa, and the Horn of Africa.
The inefficiency of law enforcement and security services has further compounded the issue, leaving citizens vulnerable and driving them to take up arms for self-protection. This widespread civilian arms usage has prolonged conflicts, displaced millions, and created severe humanitarian crises characterized by poverty, hunger, and lack of basic services.
According to Small Arms Survey, countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Angola, and Sudan have the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in Africa. Despite strict gun laws in place, the continent continues to face challenges in curbing the illicit small arms market, exacerbating its security crisis.
The need for comprehensive measures to control the spread of small arms and light weapons is evident, as their uncontrolled proliferation continues to pose a significant threat to peace, stability, and development in Africa and beyond.
