Contribution to Armed Violence Reduction in the Central Sahel and Coastal West Africa Countries

This project aims to respond to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and explosive ordnance in both the Sahel and Coastal West Africa. The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the reduction of armed violence and the promotion of peaceful and stable societies in the Central Sahel and Coastal West Africa countries. Working in seven countries project activities include: (1) delivering explosive ordinance risk education sessions to people affected by armed violence in the border regions; (2) providing weapons and ammunitions management training to build the capacity of security sector agencies; (3) supporting local authorities to implement best practices in the management of small arms and light weapons; and (4) providing technical and institutional support to National Commissions to collaborate regionally to collectively address risks related to small arms and light weapons.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) individuals and communities affected by and exposed to the risks of armed violence feel safe and secure from risks posed by small arms and light weapons (SALW) and explosive ordnance including improvised landmines; (2) positioned security sector actors and other key state agencies to better implement good practice management of SALW and other parts and components; and (3) increased state capacity to individually and collaboratively address risks related to SALW and other parts and components.