Source: African Union Peace and Security Department |

The AU-Regions steering committee on SALW and DDR commences its 8th meeting

The meeting of the Steering Committee is expected to review progress achieved during 2016 and 2017 in the implementation of the relevant aspects of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Roadmap for the phase 2016-2020 and discuss the gaps and encountered challenges

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 1, 2017/APO/ --

The African Union (AU) and Regions Steering Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), concluded its eighth meeting held on 30 and 31st May 2017, at the AU Headquarters.

The Steering Committee brings together RECs, Regional Bodies with a SALW mandate, and implementing partners and donors to enhance information sharing, coordination, joint prioritization and action review. The 8th meeting is being attended by COMESA, EAC, ECOWAS, IGAD, SADC, UMA, UNREC and the EU.

The meeting of the Steering Committee is expected to review progress achieved during 2016 and 2017 in the implementation of the relevant aspects of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Roadmap for the phase 2016-2020 and discuss the gaps and encountered challenges.

The meeting will also discuss the implementation of the related aspects of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silencing the Guns in Africa by Year 2020, particularly as they pertain to supporting Member States’ efforts in curbing the illicit inflows of weapons into the continent, as well as their illicit trafficking and circulation, within the continent. In this regard, the meeting will develop the scope, priorities and implementation modalities for the Continental Plan of Action on SALW, which will support the Roadmap’s implementation. The Continental Plan of Action is expected to be launched later in the year, following consultations to be undertaken with implementing partners. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Peace and Security Department.