On October 23rd, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the African Union's (AU) Permanent Observer Mission to the UN hosted a special event during the UN General Assembly's First Committee. This side event celebrated five years of the AU-UNODA Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) project, sharing key experiences and lessons learned. The gathering brought together experts and stakeholders from across regions, both in-person and virtually, to discuss the progress and challenges of implementing AAM in Africa. The event aimed to contribute to the broader goal of advancing the 'Silencing the Guns' agenda and enhancing peace and security across the African continent.
A Innovative Approach to Peace
The Director and Deputy to the High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Adedeji Ebo, emphasized the unique value of AAM. He described it as an 'innovative platform' that encourages the voluntary surrender of illicit small arms and light weapons, fostering community trust and reducing the circulation of illicit weapons. Ebo highlighted that AAM is particularly timely, addressing persistent global security challenges and aligning with the AU's Silencing the Guns agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNODA's Partnership with the AU
Ebo also underscored UNODA's collaboration with the AU through the AAM project. Implemented with the Regional Centre on Small Arms in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA), the project has supported 16 African countries and facilitated the collection and destruction of over 22,000 illicit weapons. This initiative empowers communities and builds national capacity, with recent successes in Uganda and Mali demonstrating its community-centered impact, including youth engagement, awareness-raising, and weapons disposal.
A Comprehensive African-Led Initiative
Damilola Abikoye, Advisor at the AU's Permanent Observer Mission to the UN, emphasized the AU's commitment to 'building safer communities through voluntary disarmament'. He highlighted AAM as a comprehensive, African-led initiative that promotes trust, community engagement, and voluntary weapons surrender without prosecution. Abikoye connected AAM to the AU's Agenda 2063, emphasizing its progress towards a 'peaceful and secure Africa where all guns are silent'.
Ireland's Support for AAM
Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN, underscored the importance of AAM as a practical contribution to advancing the Silencing the Guns agenda and supporting peace, security, and sustainable development across Africa. Ireland, a first-time contributor to the AU-UNODA project, emphasized the importance of sustained partnerships and solidarity for long-term stability and human security in Africa.
Regional Dimensions and Impact
The panel discussion explored the regional dimensions and impact of AAM, including the importance of regional ownership and African-led approaches to disarmament. The discussion highlighted the social and community dynamics influencing the circulation of illicit weapons, particularly the culture of cattle raiding and its role in shaping identity in some communities. The need to support alternative pathways for young people traditionally drawn into such practices was emphasized, along with the importance of engaging youth and women in awareness-raising and community-driven initiatives for long-term disarmament.
Strengthening Synergies
The interactive question-and-answer session focused on strengthening synergies between disarmament, development, and human rights, as well as enhancing cooperation and visibility of AAM. Participants emphasized the importance of connecting AAM more closely with UN processes, including the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (PoA). One speaker proposed integrating the UN's peace, development, and human rights pillars more deliberately into future work. They also highlighted the value of sharing experiences beyond Africa, suggesting increased exchanges with other regions to promote best practices and expand cooperation at the international level.
Closing Thoughts
The event concluded with a reminder that achieving sustainable disarmament requires more than voluntary weapons destruction. It calls for comprehensive efforts to 'close the tap' by addressing the sources and drivers of illicit arms flows. Prevention, transparency, and governance reform must accompany operational disarmament efforts to ensure enduring peace and security across the continent. As Ambassador Thomas Göbel of Germany noted, effective disarmament requires both 'closing the tap' and 'keeping the drain clear', emphasizing the need for strong policy frameworks and institutional capacity to support voluntary weapons surrender and destruction.
