Kenya to lead fight against illicit arms trade in 15 African countries

Interior PS Raymond Omollo represented Kenya during the meeting in Kinshasa. [Source; Ministry of Interior Comms]

Kenya has been selected to lead the fight against illicit arms trade in 15 African Nations.

The decision was reached following an endorsement by members of the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) council.

The Council is comprised of Ministers [Cabinet Secretaries] responsible for Internal Security in the member states who recently held a meeting of the Council of Ministers (CoM) in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

According to Interior PS Raymond Omollo, the country aims to eradicate violent conflicts, terrorism, organised crimes, and humanitarian crises caused by the trade of small arms and light weapons.

"Kenya pledges unconditional support and commitment to this cause, and I am certain that the role that the member states have assigned us today will make us even more aggressive in against this menace," the PS stated.

Omollo represented the country during the meeting.

"We will strive to be a true partner, who will not only lead by example but also foster an environment of collaboration, growth, and collective success." Dr. Omollo says.

He further highlighted a series of priorities the government has lined up to deliver on the new role, with a prime focus on participative leadership and higher levels of mutual support toward reducing the accessibility and availability of illicit arms.

Member states of RECSA are Burundi, Central African Republic, DRC, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, and South Sudan. Uganda and Tanzania.

According to RESCA's official website, its main objective is to coordinate action against Small Arms and Light Weapons proliferation in the Great Lakes region, the Horn of Africa, and the Bordering States.

It has been in existence for more than 23 years.