A Security Problem in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa: Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges to the governments of the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa is the control of proliferation and use of illicit small arms and light weapons. Considering the number of deaths caused by these weapons compared to those caused by other conventional types, such weapons could be renamed "weapons of mass destruction". The devastating negative effects of illicit arms and light weapons on peace, security and stability in the society need to be addressed. There are national, regional and international initiatives currently in place to address the menace including the United Nations sponsored world conference on control of proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons held in New York in July 2001. This paper will define small arms and light weapons, address the origin, causes and effects of proliferation, trafficking and use of illicit small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa. It will also suggest possible short and long term strategic approaches to solve the problem.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA404549

Entities

People

  • Philip K. Chebbet

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Counter WMD

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Africa
  • Civil War
  • Cold War
  • Crime
  • Criminals
  • East Africa
  • Economic Development
  • Employment
  • Governments
  • Great Lakes
  • Grenade Launchers
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Small Arms
  • United Nations
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Strategic Security Studies