Arms Management and Destruction in the Sahel-Maghreb:

Promoting stability and security

Background

THE PROJECT

Improving management of arms and ammunition has become a priority for many states in the
Sahel-Maghreb, who have amassed large stockpiles due to conflict, cross-border insecurity and
the prevalence of non-state armed groups.
Likewise, the international community has recognised the need to reduce the risk of diversion
and unplanned explosions by encouraging better control of such stores. Instruments like the
UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, as well as technical guidelines
including the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG) and International Small Arms
Control Standards (ISACS) have been developed to promote best practice in this pursuit. Many
states have also committed to regional agreements such as the ECOWAS Convention, Kinshasa
Convention and Nairobi Protocol, which provide a roadmap for improvement of arms management
practices.
Despite concerted efforts, many states are unable to meet these requirements without external
support. Training, improving infrastructure, accountability and capacity building amongst security
sector actors are key components of long-term success. But they also require significant technical
expertise and resources that are often not available in country.
If Sahel-Maghreb states are to meet these challenges and obligations, international assistance is
crucial.

With more than 20 years of presence in

the Sahel-Maghreb region, HI has a strong
understanding of the environment and
stakeholders. It has developed its expertise
through implementation of various activities in
the region such as victim assistance, clearance,
risk education and conventional weapons
destruction.

This partnership marks a new

approach to arms management
and destruction in the region.
It brings together three
organisations Mines Advisory
Group (MAG), Handicap
International (HI) and Bonn
International Center for
Conversion (BICC) to identify
areas for assistance and deliver
effective solutions.
Fundamentally, the project aims
to contribute to security in the
region by equipping states with
the infrastructure and training
to tackle challenges in the long
term.

BICCs longstanding experience is both in practiceoriented research on small arms, and in delivering
technical advisory services to governments across
Africa, working with decision-makers at policy level.
Through capacity building and awareness-raising
with national institutions, BICC links up international
standards and domestic regulations with technical
implementation in practice.

Project design and types of intervention

A programme of analyses and stakeholder development is underway throughout the SahelMaghreb region, utilising MAGs dedicated team of experts based in Senegal, as well as HI and
BICC technical resources.

With a ten-year track record of

implementing similar projects in Africa, the
Middle East and Latin America, MAG has
extensive experience in the management
and destruction of arms and ammunition.
Informed by lessons learned on the
ground, MAG regularly provides technical
expertise and advice to states, putting
national ownership and sustainability at
the core of its approach.

The aim is to raise awareness of technical assistance, and inform national authorities and regional
actors of available support. Technical assessments will be conducted for those expressing an
interest in receiving assistance.
For further details please contact
Djadranka Gillesen
Regional Representative
M (UK): +44 7818 410483
M (Senegal): +221 77 205 8131

E: djadranka.gillesen@maginternational.org

Assessments

The project team will work in tandem with national authorities on approaches to
assessment. This can include:
identification of training needs;
visits to arms and/or ammunition storage facilities to assess the condition of
infrastructure and stockpiles, including surplus or obsolete items;
stockpile management procedures and processes, including record-keeping; and
needs relating to policies, standard operating procedures, legislation and other
aspects.
Based on findings and recommendations, an action plan will be prepared and presented
to stakeholders.

Interventions

The type of interventions based on the assessment reports and needs identified may
include
destruction of surplus and/or obsolete weapons and ammunition;
providing weapons marking assistance, including training of relevant staff;
rehabilitation and/or construction of weapons and ammunition stores;
training of ammunition storekeepers in safe handling and secure management of
munitions;
training of armourers in safe and secure management of weapons;
support to development and implementation of national SALW and ammunition
standards;
support to development and implementation of legislation; and
capacity building of national institutions.

Outcomes and impact

Working with Sahel-Maghreb states, the aim of the project is to create safer and more
stable environments through sustainable arms and ammunition management.
Anticipated outcomes include
improved understanding at regional and national level of effective ammunition
stockpile and weapons management, developing strong foundations on which future
arms and ammunition management projects can be built;
reduction of risk for SALW affected communities;
greater safety for civilian populations by reducing the likelihood of unplanned
explosions in munitions stores;
reduced risk of weapons diversion through more effective SALW management;
development of strategic relationships with national and regional authorities and
better cooperation between actors responsible for arms and ammunition
management in the region vital to future planning, development and programme
coordination for the region; and
progress towards states meeting instrument obligations with more states able to both
work in line with best practices and implement international standards.
Funded by