Electoral violence: ECOWAS demands greater action against illicit arms
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern over arms proliferation in many countries in the sub-region.
The worry was contained in a report of gender mainstreaming in the peace and security architecture of ECOWAS’ Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Component presented at a workshop in Abuja.
The sub regional body attributed electoral violence in West Africa to illicit arms- a threat to peace, political stability and development.
The report blamed electoral violence in Nigeria and other West African countries to illegal arms manufacturers whose work contributes to the illegal possession and circulation of weapons in civilian hands.