Drivers and impact of arms trafficking in West Africa

The West African Sahel is an expansive theatre of diverse conflicts with formidable humanitarian consequences. Many of the region’s security threats are driven by the ready availability and rapid increase in arms. Addressing the trafficking of small arms and light weapons is vital for any strategy aimed at preventing and managing conflict in the region.

Moderator: Dr Ndubuisi Christian Ani, Senior Researcher and Project Coordinator, ENACT, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Panelists:

Opening remarks: ECOWAS, GFFO, EU representatives, GIZ (TBC)
Dr Sani Adamu, Acting Head, Peace Support Operations, ECOWAS Commission
Dr Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator – Central Africa, ENACT ISS
Dr Nelson Alusala, independent consultant on small arms
Dr Mutiat T Oladejo, Convener, Obinrin Afrika Initiative for Research and Development
Dr Maurice Ogbonnaya, Senior Fellow, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Nigeria (TBC)
Hamidou Diallo, Director, Bureau of Studies on Extremism and Community Conflicts in Africa
Idris Mohammed, CEO, Sulhu Development Initiative
Aisha Marafa, Founder, WEGIRLS FOUNDATION (TBC)
Kingsley Madueke, Nigeria Coordinator, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, (TBC)
Dr Ndubuisi Nwokolo, Partner/Chief Executive, Nextier SPD