Within the framework of the African Union (AU) Ammunition Safety and Security Management Initiative, launched in 2017, the AU is working with the Government of Guinea Bissau on enhancing ammunition management to reduce the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites and prevent theft, loss and diversion.

The initiative was launched within the framework of the communique of the 584^th meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 29 March 2016, which urged Member States to implement effective and sustainable physical security and stockpile management on all government stockpiles in line with international standards and best practices. The Initiative also supports the practical steps outlined in the AU Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns in Africa, adopted by the 28^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in January 2017.

Over the course of the coming two days, national stakeholders will be sensitized, and consultations among them facilitated, on the application of best practices and standards, including the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG). The inception and consultative meeting will be followed by visits to ammunition storage sites in different regions of the country to assist the national authorities in identifying immediate and medium term enhancements required to improve the safety and security.

In supporting Guinea Bissau, the AU is collaborating with ECOWAS, United Nations, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), and the HALO Trust.