Provisions
The Organization of African Unity and the Economic Commission of West African States [ECOWAS] are working to implement in arms moratorium in 16 West African states. The goal is to reduce the number of small arms and weapons that fuel the regionās conflicts. The arms moratorium has been launched as part of the Program for Coordination and Assistance for Security and Development in Africa (PCASED), which addresses security challenges in the region that are linked to the proliferation of small arms. Activities under the moratorium include the establishment of arms databases, education and public awareness campaigns, training for security forces, a review of legislation governing the purchase of small arms, and the collection and destruction of weapons. The register is designed to complement the UN Register of Conventional Arms, which is limited to major weapons.Status
The eight-country West African Ministerial meeting held in Bamako in March 1997 to discuss Mali's proposal to achieve a five-year regional moratorium on small arms, light weapons, and land mines. A three-year moratorium was announced at the ECOWAS meeting of Heads of State in Abuja, Nigeria, 30-31 October 1998.Texts
Primary documents, including treaty text and associated memoranda, statements and other related material.News
Chronological archive of news reports, commentary analysis and other related material.Related Web Sites