Week of Action 2009: Africa

* Minister says gun crime has dropped
A national civil disarmament campaign has been fundamental to a successful drop in gun crime, according to a statement from the Minister of Interior Roberto Leal Monteiro on 15 June.

* TV interview

Angola 2000’s activities in the Week of Action including events in Chinguar (Bie Province) on 18 June and at Baia-Farta (Benguela Province) on 20 June. Cirilo Mbonge was interviewed on the live TV programme Bom Dia Angola (Good Morning Angola) on the national TV channel TPA.

Benin

* Media coverage

A press statement from West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) was covered on the Canal 3 channel in Cotonou on 16 June. The statement invited the Benin government to hustle for a strong Arms Trade Treaty

Burkina Faso

Mariam Liehoun, national coordinator of the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (Burkina Faso) interviewed by the press.

* MP urges parliament to invest in development not arms
Mariam Liehoun, national coordinator of the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (Burkina) hosted a live press conference in Ouagadougou, attended by members of parliament, small arms campaigners, journalists and other officials. MP Fankani Nitiebo, urged parliament to vote for development rather than the purchase of arms.

* Government will support the ATT
A delegation from Amnesty International (Burkina Faso) met Eric Tiare, General Director for Legal and Consular Affairs, on 15 June. He confirmed that Burkina Faso will support the ATT in the United Nations Open-ended Working Group in July.

Burundi

* Radio interview on ATT

The National Radio of Burundi interviewed Jacques Ntabarikure, legal representative of Colonie des Pionniers du Développement, who stressed the importance of an Arms Trade Treaty. "We are convinced that the existence of an ATT would help reduce violence in Burundi and the world," Jacques said. And, speaking on Bonesha FM, he noted that illicit weapons are the root cause of the country's problems with violence, and the sense of insecurity in society. "In Burundi, an effective civil disarmament must be done!" he said. "And people must understand that peace and security are disturbed by illegally held weapons. They must adhere to the policy of no gun violence."

* Powerful testimony from survivors
The development organisation Dagropass heard the testimonies of 11 women victims of gun violence on 16 June. Among them was 22-year-old Nibogora Beatrice, who lost a leg after an anti-personnel mine exploded. She also lost her father to a gunshot. She deplored the circulation of small arms in Burundi.

* Public radio hears how guns threaten development

Dagropass and Colonie des Pionniers du Développement appeared on Public Radio Africa on 18 June to argue that the proliferation of small arms is hindering development. Abel Ntahombaye said the weapons threatened economic development and peace: “Even the elections in 2010 will be jeopardised by this issue.” Jacques Ntibarikure added: “The government of Burundi must make every effort for a strict and effective control of small arms and light weapons by signing the Arms Trade Treaty.”

* Government promises support for ATT

The Burundi Government supported the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence through the Commission for Civilian Disarmament and Fight against Small Arms (CDCPA) in collaboration with UNDP. At an event on 20 June, Leopold Danzudaze, second vice-president of CDCPA, answered questions about civilian disarmament, which he said was a priority to help consolidate peace and security in Burundi. “In July, Burundi will not fail to support the ATT,” he promised.

Cameroon

* Live TV discussion on war toys, banditry and the ATT

Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP) held a live television discussion about violence and arms on Vision4 TV. The programme was anchored by Loveline Ngeh, with panellists Eugine Ngalim (Executive Director of CAMYOSFOP), Patience Elango (CAMYOSFOP Press and Information Secretary) and George Kome (teacher at Central Bilingual Primary School, Yaounde). The debate covered the impact of war toys, firecrackers, video games and violent films on violence in schools; women and violence; the firearms law of Cameroon; the ‘coupeur de route’ (road bandits) in the highways of the Grand North and the cities of Cameroon; sources of illegal weapons; the situation of Chadian and Central Africa Republic refugees hosted by Cameroon; and the UN Arms Trade Treaty. Click here to view the press statement.

* Submission to the SG is on the way
Eugine Ngalim called for the updating of firearms law when he appeared on the radio programme “Morning Safari” on 16 June. He stressed the deadly impact of weapons on security and development in Cameroon. Eugine also congratulated Cameroon MP Bujung James for signing the parliamentary declaration in support of the ATT.

CAMYOSFOP and the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms visited two orphanages in the capital city, Yaounde where they distributed IANSA badges and leaflets.

In the afternoon, CAMYOSFOP held a working meeting with officials of the Ministry of External Relations on Cameroon’s submission on Armed Violence and Development and Cameroon’s participation in the UN Open-Ended Working Group on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), to be held in New York from July 13 -17. The group was assured that Cameroon has completed the required report for the UN Secretary General, and the document will soon be submitted to the UN. The officials also stressed that Cameroon’s government supports the ATT and will participate in the OEWG.

* Press conference on ATT and development

CAMYOSFOP organised a press conference in Yaounde. The question and answer session highlighted the links between youth unemployment, development and the illicit proliferation and misuse of small arms. It also stressed how an effective Arms Trade Treaty would regulate the arms sector and significantly contribute to peace, security and development.

* DDV survey, and heated debate on gun violence

The Trauma Centre in Cameroon launched the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign on 22 May with a month-long survey about guns in the home, interviewing more than 100 households in Yaounde. On 18 June, the Centre and partner organisations hosted a discussion between members of Yaounde NGOs, police officers, journalists and prison officers, at the Ecumenical Service for Peace. The meeting discussed the illegal uses of small arms, the impact on women, and the use of weapons by minors. Such was the intensity of debate that the meeting lasted more than five hours.

* Activists use survey skills to explore ATT and DDV

Justine Kwachu, Executive Director of Women in Alternative Action Cameroon (WAA) met a disarmament expert at the Ministry of External Relations on 13 June to discuss Cameroon’s involvement in the ATT process, and the UNIDIR-organised Dakar meeting which took place in April. WAA Cameroon also met with religious leaders to explain the ATT; and participated in radio programmes with TBC and Satellite FM during a youth training programme. Young people were interviewed and expressed their views on gun violence. Justine also met the publishers of the Post, Eden, The Guardian Post, Vanguard, and The Sun and briefed them on Cameroon's involvement in the ATT process, the work of IANSA, and the Global Week of Action. On 20 June WAA Cameroon led a workshop with leaders of women's groups. Commissioner Rita Nji spoke about the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign.

Between 14-18 June WAA Cameroon led a training session for 25 young people on survey techniques. The training included guidance on how to approach the authorities on small arms topics. Courses included ‘The Global Context of Small Arms and Gun Violence’ by Eboa Ebongue, ‘MINREX; Small Arms and the Law’ by Eugine Ngalim, ‘Small Arms and State Actors,’ by Commissioner Rita Nji, and ‘An ATT’ by Justine Kwachu. Participants in the course then used questionnaires to explore the effect of guns on women, and explain the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign.

* Opposition MPs embrace small arms struggle

Cameroon Youths and Students Forum For Peace met MPs from the leading opposition party, the Social Democratic Front on 26 June for a working session on the role of Parliamentarians in the ATT process and reforming national legislation. Ngalim Eugine, Executive Director of CAMYOSFOP, congratulated the SDF Parliamentary group for signing the Parliamentary Declaration on the ATT. He also urged them to join the Parliamentary Global Platform on Small Arms by registering as members of the Parliamentary Forum, which proposes legal reforms and campaigns on the illicit proliferation of small arms. CAMYOSFOP is scheduled to meet MPs of the governing party, the Cameroon Peoples’ Democratic Movement (CPDM) and another opposition party, the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU).

Central African Republic

* Survey of armed groups by UN news agency

A survey of the various armed forces contributing to the conflict and insecurity in Central African Republic was published by the UN humanitarian news agency IRIN on 17 June. The wide range of armed groups means that ‘security remains elusive’ according to the report.

* Link between guns and street children exposed

African Muslim Agency (AMA) in collaboration with the women’s group OFCA (Organisations des Femmes en Centre Afrique) hosted a round-table on 18 June, along with the Ministry of External Cooperation and Planning, UNDP, UNICEF, the public and the media. The meeting heard from Serge, a nine-year-old street child, who told how his father had killed his uncle with an illegal weapon, and had been arrested. After this, Serge’s family dispersed, “which is why I find myself in the street,” Serge said. Gérard Doulpanga of AMA explained that the campaign against gun violence was being carried on numerous radio stations, including The Voice of Peace, Ndeke Luka, Central Africa Radio, and Radio Our Lady.

* Conference and rally on gun violence

NGO Femmes de Paix autour du Monde worked in partnership with UNDP to organise a conference and rally highlighting the dangers of gun use. This was supported by a press release and poster campaign.

Chad

* ATT role demanded

The Committee for Peace and Reconciliation in Chad (Comité de Suivi d’Appel à la Paix et à la Réconciliation au Tchad) held a media conference on 19 June. The committee called for Chad to take an active role in the upcoming working group on the ATT. Ngaryngam Mouldjide of CSAPR told Freedom FM Radio that government should step up its efforts to stem the proliferation of light weapons.

* Almost a permament sense of crisis

Céline Larmadji, interim coordinator of the Committee of Appeal for Peace and Reconciliation, told a press conference on 20 June that around two million small arms were circulating in Chad. She said the almost permanent sense of crisis in the country had promoted the circulation of small arms at all levels of the population; in the markets, in the streets and at schools.

Côte d'Ivoire

* Challenge the government and the armed groups

At a press conference hosted by Amnesty International Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan on 16 June, Ismaila Kangoye stressed the need for civil society to challenge the government on the proliferation of small arms. “We must also challenge the armed groups,” he said.

* Survey on proliferation; ATT support
A debate was organised at the Pullman Hotel in Abidjan by the WAANSA-Côte d’Ivoire in Partnership with RJS and ECOSAP on 17 June. General Adjoussou Désiré, president of the Ivorian Commission against proliferation and illicit trade in small arms, said the Commission had compiled a national survey on the situation in the Ivory Coast. He also confirmed that the government is supporting the ATT.

DR Congo

* Outreach to journalists

ASVOCO launched the Week on 15 June with a media briefing attended by Goma radio stations Okapi, Radio Suti ya Injili, Radio plaine évangile, Radio kivu1, Radio Taina and the Congolese National TV and Radio. Representatives of student organisations are also involved in local activities against gun violence. Mwenebatende Dufina Tabu of ASVOCO said: "Since we live among people who are committing violence with guns, we must become aware and denounce the transgressors."

* Schoolchildren demand a life free from guns
ASVOCO celebrated the International Day of the African Child on 16 June by aligning themselves with the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence. Aline Bweto, an 8-year-old boy from Tshipuka primary school in Goma, spoke for the children. He said: “We do not want arms; we want to go to school. That those who recruit children into armed groups should be tried.”

* Round-table spotlights refugee problem

The VIP Hotel in Goma was the venue for the round-table organised by ASVOCO with national and international civil society to discuss gun violence in the province of North Kivu. ASVOCO President Mwenetabatende DufinaTabu said the meeting showed how firearms caused people to flee their communities and exacerbated the refugee problem.

* Focus on Uriva in South Kivu
Janvier Kabwe, coordinator of the child protection organisation AVREO (Association of Volunteers for the Recovery of Abandoned Orphans) called for the week of action against gun violence to concentrate on the proliferation of small arms in the territory of Uvira in the South Kivu province of the DRC. The statement was carried on several radio stations, including Radio Messenger of the People, Community Radio of Sande and Kiliba Radio.

* Orphans organiser urges authority to recognise danger to children
AVREO, an organisation working with orphans and abandoned children, organised a public meeting on 17 June in Uvira. Coordinator Janvier Kabwe urged the authorities to recognise that sexual violence will continue to flourish in Uvira and in other territories of the of South Kivu province due to the circulation of small arms.

* Radio campaign boosts awareness

Arthur Tshileo, Pascal and Augustine Vaweka Nkomo of Securitas embarked on a round of radio appearances to raise awareness about the impact of arms proliferation and discuss ways of reducing the negative effects of illegal weapons. Radio stations in Bunia, Ituri, carried news of the Global Week of Action, including Radio Okapi, Radio Canal Revelation, Tangazeni Kristo Radio and Candip Radio.

* Women’s organisations launch DDV

Forty women's organisations participated in the Disarm Domestic Violence launch in Kinshasa, organised by DRC members of the IANSA Women's Network IANSA, and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) on 20 June. Presentations were also made about the ATT and the work of the National Commission on Small Arms. UNDP and Congolese Women From the Diaspora also attended the event.

Gambia

* Government must support ATT
The Week of Action was featured in the Banjul Observer, Gambia’s national newspaper. The government must support a strong ATT at the discussions in New York next month, said West Africa Network for Peacebuilding’s Pamela Cole. Pamela stressed: “Our government must step forward now to argue for a tough arms trade treaty. Otherwise, the voice of less scrupulous countries will prevail, and dangerous arms transfers will continue unchecked”.

Ghana

* ATT in national media

Emmanuel Sowatey, a member of the National Peace Council in Ghana, urged the government in Ghana to actively promote a strong Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), in a prime-time breakfast interview for Unique FM, an English-language national radio station, on 15 June. He was also interviewed for an article in the Daily Graphic, the country’s largest-circulation newspaper. Three days earlier, Emmanuel promoted the Week of Action on Boss FM, an Akan-language regional radio station.

* Gunmakers support restraint

Local blacksmiths supported the need for stronger regulation on craft production of small arms, in a radio broadcast on Kessben FM on 20 June. The broadcast was arranged by Emmanuel Sowatey. Kessben FM is an Akan-language station. Emmanuel was also interviewed about gun violence by the English-language Citi FM (17 June) and Akan-language Ash FM (19 June).

Guinea Bissau

* Government pledge on ECOWAS convention and ATT
A full week of events in Guinea-Bissau began with a meeting of WAANSA members on 15 June, followed by a press conference and a radio debate. On 18 June, members lobbied the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Communities. A full programme of sporting and cultural activities runs over the weekend.

Guinea Conakry

* Government pledge on ECOSAC convention and ATT
ABC Development and WAANSA Guinea took part in a discussion at Guinea Broadcasting on 17 June. They met Hadja Diafarou Djeng, who is in charge of arms and munitions at the Department of Homeland Security, and president of the national commission against the proliferation of light weapons and small arms. She affirmed the commitment of Guinea to ratify the ECOSAC regional convention and support the ATT.

Kenya

*Religious leaders acknowledge gun trouble
The African Council of Religious Leaders meeting heard this week how the easy availability and cheapness of small arms has made them the weapons of choice in world conflicts. IANSA Africa Coordinator Joseph Dube addressed the meeting on the ATT process, Armed Violence and Development and the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign.

* Press conference urges ATT action
The Kenya Action Network on Small Arms (KANSA) held a press conference in Nairobi on 17 June to pressure the government to push for a strong Arms Trade Treaty. The event was organised by Umoja as One, PeaceNet and SRIC, arguing that a strong treaty would give the government better control over the flow of arms entering the country. Participants also urged the government to explore a diplomatic approach to avoid conflict with neighbouring Somalia. KANSA member Jan Kamenju called on the administration to implement the policies it has previously announced. Rev. Jules Renzano noted that more inclusive partnerships between government and civil society would help stem the increase of firearms in Kenya. The press conference received coverage in the Kenya Times, the Nairobi Star and the Taifa Leo.

Lesotho

* Government called to account on armed violence and development
Katleho Pefole from the Transformation Resource Centre met Mako Sholo, the new legal representative in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to brief him about the ATT and to check why Lesotho did not make a submission to the UNSG consultation. A full report of the meeting will follow.

Liberia

* Broadcasting the message despite stormy weather
Heavy thunderstorms in Liberia caused the postponement of a media round table discussion, but Liberians United to Expose Hidden Weapons (LUEHW) had slots on national radio stations including UN radio, Sky FM, Star radio and Change FM on 15 June. The main focus was an ATT and calls for the government to further support the process.

* Lively meeting demands practical action on ATT
A crowd of more than 300 attended a meeting in Monrovia to discuss the ATT process, and the background to the treaty. The meeting was organised by LUEHW in collaboration with the Center for the Exchange of Intellectual Opinions (CEIO). It discussed the emerging consensus on the treaty, its scope, and the criteria for regulating international arms transfers.

Over 300 people attended including participants from the Liberian National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Youth United for Development (YUD), Foundation for Democracy in Liberia (FDL), Tubmanburg Women Network (TWN), University professors and students, and Christian and Muslim clerics. There was a strong media presence including: Star Radio (Moses Wenyou), UN Radio (Jack Davis), Kings FM Radio (Darlington Pelenah and Ziamah Zigler), and The In-Profile Newspaper (Fredrick Gaye and Jacqueline Dennis). The meeting was followed by a media round-table.
The meetings concluded with a set of demands: support for a comprehensive ATT during the OEWG meeting in July; A 'yes vote' for the next ATT resolution during the first Committee of the UNGA in October; and the appointment of a national focus person or group on the ATT.

* DDV and ATT
On 18 June Kerian N. Pelenah, Program Manager and ATT Coordinator of LUEHW explained the importance of the Week of Action to Patience Guanu on UN Radio programme 'Coffee Break'. Kerian drew attention to two of this year's themes: the human toll of SALW proliferation and misuse, and the launch of the Disarm Domestic Violence Campaign.

Later, members of LUEHW organised outreach visits and discussions with various government ministries including the Ministry of National Defence and Ministry of Justice in Monrovia. They called on the Liberian government to support a comprehensive ATT based on the Global Principles for international arms transfers.

* Strong support for DDV and ATT at symposium

Barbara Ketter, the Gender Officer with Youth for Community Academic & Development Services (YOCADS) urged campaigners to lobby the Liberian parliament to protect women against gun violence in the home, at a symposium in Monrovia on 20 June. The meeting organised by LUEHW discussed the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign and the Arms Trade Treaty.

Swedish researcher Viktor E. Bengtsson gave an international perspective on an ATT. He called for a treaty that would legalise the prosecution of violators whether or not their home countries ratified the ATT. Mr Bengtsson also called on Liberian campaigners to lobby the US government. The symposium drafted a letter to Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in support of a strong ATT.

Malawi

* Week of Action on the radio

Radio stations across Malawi discussed the problem of gun violence this week, thanks to intensive advocacy from PEFENAP. Radio One, Radio Two, ZBS and Radio Biak reported the week, and Edward Chaka from PEFENAP was interviewed by Transworld Radio and Radio Power 11 (14 June) and Radio Islam (16 June). The group also organised an evening of spiritual songs commemorating gun violence survivors on 15 June.

Mali

* Radio debate calls for end to arms “anarchy”
The RJSDAO (Réseau des Journalistes pour la Sécurité et le Développement en Afrique de l’Ouest’/West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development) discussed the ATT in a radio broadcast on 15 June. The ambassador of Morocco in Mali, Moulaye Idriss, stressed the importance of regulating the trade in small arms. Amadou Foamed Maiga, President of RJSDAO, agreed, saying that weapons should not “circulate anarchically” around the world. “This will allow countries such as the DRC to feel like any other independent country, where people are free, proud and fully-secure.”

* New code of conduct for gun-makers

The Control Arms committee met local gunsmiths in Bamako on 17 June. At the meeting were representatives from the journalists' network RJSDAO and Amnesty International Mali. Mr Wernangoré Youssouf, president of the gunsmiths' group, said his organisation was introducing a code of conduct in which all weapons must be registered and marked to make them identifiable. 108 gunsmiths have responded.

* Documentary impresses journalists

The French documentary Arms, Dealing and National Interest – made by ARTE with help from Amnesty International – was screened to more than 30 journalists at the Press Club in Bamako on 19 June. The problem of small arms in DR Congo is not well known in West Africa, and the journalists said they were very moved by the film.Amadou Maiga, president of RJSDAO (West Africa Network of Journalists For Security and Development) said that arms trafficking involved the complicity of several countries, and could only be tackled by countries joining together to lobby for a strong ATT.

Mozambique

* Monitoring gun control

FOMICRES (Mozambican Force for Crime Investigation and Social Reinsertion) contacted government officials to collect information about recent gun control activities. The information will be presented at a press conference to help publicise the National Commission on Small Arms. FOMICRES also sent an opinion piece in support of the Arms Trade treaty to printed media.

Namibia

* The Week of Action on breakfast radio

The Week of Action started early in Namibia. On 4 June Felix Muchila, host of “The Ninth Hour” on the national Namibian Broadcasting Company (NBC), interviewed Pauline Dempers and Johanna Wilkie of NANGOF Trust. The radio interview centered on the problem of gun violence in Namibia and internationally. Pauline talked about the link between guns and violence against women, and announced the launch of the Disarming Domestic Violence campaign on 11 June. Panelists at the launch event included: Hon. E Dienda, Member of Parliament, Hon. M Venaani, Member of Parliament, Ms R Namises, Director of Women’s Solidarity, and Mr. H Theunis, Director of De-mining Project. Pauline was also interviewed about the campaign, alongside a Windhoek police officer, on the Damara/Nama radio station, which broadcasts in the Nama language.

* Namibia: Gun-free schools campaign
Pauline Dempers of the NANGOF Trust gave presentations on 17 and 19 June about the Gun-Free Namibia campaign to the Principal and teachers of two schools in Katutura, a low-income neighborhood/suburb of Windhoek. Staff at Jan Jonker Afrikaner Senior Secondary School and Goreangab Junior Secondary School heard about the benefits of declaring their schools gun-free, and urged to talk to students about the campaign. After the presentation at Goreangab School, the staff voted to declare the school a gun-free zone. Staff at Jan Jonker are discussing the idea. Pauline also published a letter in the 19 June edition of the Namibian newspaper.

Niger

*Call for creative thinking
At a meeting in Ndjako-Seku organised by WAANSA (West Africa Action Network on Small Arms) on 15 June, the organisation’s coordinator Apha Abdoulkadri Oumarou said that ideas were more powerful than arms, for solving the problems of development and peace. He stressed the importance of the ATT.

Nigeria

* Women call for government action

An Enugu based non-governmental organisation, Women Information Network (WINET)has appealed to both the Federal and State governments to support IANSA’s Disarm Domestic Violence campaign, and take steps to keep women safe from gun violence. The statement, issued by WINET project Co-ordinator, Ijeoma Ogbonna, highlighted the experience of women who are threatened with violence in the home. Click here to download the press statement.

* ATT discussion on Benue radio
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) was discussed on Benue Radio, an English language radio station in Benue State, in central Nigeria. This activity was arranged by Jireh Foundation.

* Day of African Child celebrations
The Children’s Rights Information Network (CRIN), which campaigns for vulnerable children in North central Nigeria celebrated the Day of the African Child with a school debate on the abolition of school fees between Mt. St Gabriel Secondary School, Makurdi and Anglican Secondary, Makurdi. A quiz competition was also held between Mt Carmel Girls College, Makurdi, Mt St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi, and Anglican Secondary School, Makurdi. A paper on “Protecting and Guiding the Child to adulthood: The Role of Interpersonal Communication” was delivered by the chairman of the editorial board of The Voice newspaper, (Makurdi, Benue State) Terlumun Vaatia.

* Women and guns discussed with Government

Mimidoo Achakpa of Women's Rights to Education Programme and the IANSA Women's Network Nigeria met the Commissioner for Women's Affairs in Benue State on 16 June, to discuss how guns affect women in the state and the central region of Nigeria. On 18 June, Ms Achakpa met with staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss an ATT and Nigeria's support for the process.

* Radio series supports peace through health
Raypower, a radio series on peace and violence prevention, was launched last week on Rhythm FM radio, in Jos, Nigeria. The programme began on 12 June, and was designed to support IPPNW’s global Aiming For Prevention campaign. The first show was based on the concept of “peace through health.” Further programmes are planned on gun violence and other topics. The show was a joint project of the Society of Nigerian Doctors for the Welfare of Mankind (International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War/Nigeria), led by Ogebe Onazi, African Regional Student Representative for IPPNW, and Homsuk Emmanuel Swomen, National Student Representative for IPPNW Nigeria.

* Women lobby parliamentarians and media

Activists from the CAFSO-Women’s Rights Action Group visited the parliament of Oyo State in south-western Nigeria to lobby its members and ask them to support tough legislation to reduce gun violence. The activists met with representatives from the House Committee on Security and Strategy, the House Committee on Women’s Affairs, Human Rights and Good Governance, and the House Committee on Information and Orientation. The group was also successful in meeting with a major national newspaper, The Nigerian Tribune, to discuss the media’s role in highlighting and eradicating gun violence.

* ATT could reduce gun violence in Niger Delta region, says NANSA director

The government should support a strong Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) at upcoming discussions at the UN, urged Dickson Orji, president of the Nigerian Action Network on Small Arms (NANSA). Reported on the Leadership Nigeria website, Dickson Orji said: “This treaty will impose a law against manufacturing countries’ transfer of weapons to non-state actors where it would be abused, particularly as it is happening in the Niger Delta.” The Niger Delta region is one of the most gun-affected parts of West Africa.

Rwanda

Gun availability restricts peacebuilding in North

On 17-18 June, Saferrwanda organised a seminar for community leaders in Kimonye Sector, Muasanze District, in the gun-affected north of the country. Participants discussed options for removing guns from circulation in the region, and disarming domestic violence (DDV) within the community and the role of women as peacebuilders.

Senegal

* Call for change to gun law
In a public event organised by the Malao Movement against Small Arms and WAANSA-Senegal in Dakar on 16 June, Honoré Georges Ndiaye, executive director of the Malao, urged the Senegalese government to amend the law to include spouses in the investigation process when an application for a gun permit is made. This is one of the demands in IANSA’s Disarm Domestic Violence campaign.

* Pro-ATT rally in conflict zone

Campaigners took part in a rally for the Arms Trade Treaty, in Ziguinchor in the gun-affected Casamance region on 20 June. Organised by MALAO, RABEC and the CV/AV Movement, it received coverage in Le Soleil and Agence de Presse Sénégalaise.

Sierra Leone

* Urgent call for legal reforms

Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms (SLANSA) launched a media campaign in Freetown on 15 June. They issued a powerful statement calling for the government to fast-track the Arms, Ammunition and Explosives Act and establish a National Commission on small arms. They also called for government to support a strong ATT during the Open-Ended Working Group in July 2009. Their statement was reported on the national Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) which highlighted an increase in gun incidents as reported by the police. SLANSA members are also pressing for the government to harmonise gun and domestic violence laws, and for spouses and partners to be consulted before a gun license is granted - an essential measure to protect women.

* ATT campaign would support development, workshop told

The YWCA hosted a workshop on 17 June with participants including officials from the Ministries of Defence, Police, Immigration, National Security, the Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International and a cross-section of civil society groups affiliated to SLANSA. One of the goals of the workshop was to review the government’s commitment to the ATT process. Participants learned of the importance of an ATT based on international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and how this would support the Millennium Development Goals. SLANSA also discussed the government submission to the UN Secretary-General on armed violence and development, and highlighted the need to Disarm Domestic Violence. “The issue of gun violence affects rich countries as well as those emerging from conflicts or suffering from extreme poverty,” said SLANSA coordinator Florella Hazeley. Media coverage included Concord Times, Standard Times and Awoko, as well as national TV and radio.

* Peace march and small arms drama highlight dangers

Campaign for Peace and Non-Violence (CPN) concentrated on how small arms undermine peace-building and development. The events included a Peace March in Makeni City and a drama performance about the dangers posed by small arms on security and human rights in Bo Town.

Somalia

*Survivors of gun violence share their experience
Somali Women Education Campaigners (SWEC) hosted a well-attended public forum in Mogadishu on the impact of gun violence. The event, on 15 June at the Nasahablood Hotel, attracted over 50 participants, including representatives from international NGOs, religious leaders, lawyers, women's groups, the private and public sectors, community elders, Somali writers, youth leaders, and the media. Survivors of gun violence shared their experiences and emphasised the need for trauma counseling, protection, advocacy, awareness-raising and capacity-building in this country where gun violence affects millions. SIMBA Radio and the local newspaper, Ayaamaha, reported on the event.

* Culture of gun violence confronted in workshops

SWEC discussed the problems of small arms in live hour-long radio and TV programmes with SIMBA radio and Universal TV on 16 and 17 June. Speakers included NGO members, academics and artists. All of those who phoned in called for measures to stop the flow of small arms into Somalia. The programmes were also broadcast by Peace Voice Radio.

On 18 June, university professors and school teachers discussed the impact of gun violence on educational opportunities during a workshop held by SWEC.Speakers included: Jamal Mohamed Ibrahim, a former teacher at the Imamu-Shafi Primary and Secondary School; Professor Ali Araye Adow, lecturer and Chairman of the Somali University; Faiza Mohamed Ali, Head of Women Knowledge Awake Somalia-WOMKAS; and Abdinasir Yussuf Moalim, Chairman of Somali PEN, South and Central Somalia. Teachers discussed the impact of gun violence on educational opportunities.

On 19 and 20 June SWEC held three hour sessions in internally displaced people (IDP) camps to raise awareness of gun violence. The IDPs reported on their experiences of gun violence, and acknowledged that most guns are used by young people and are widely available at popular shopping areas and markets. They were interviewed by Peace Voice Radio, Simba Radio and Universal TV about their experiences. Activity leaders included: Abdalla Mumin Mohamed, Head of Muktar Camp (located in the outskirts of Mogadishu); Yussuf Nur Ahmed, Head of IDP camp in Afgoye; Faiza Mohamed Ali, Head of Women Knowledge Awake Somalia-WOMKAS; and Abdinasir Yussuf Moalim, Chairman of Somali PEN, South and Central Somalia.

South Africa

* Public meeting hears harrowing evidence of gun violence
Laura Pollecut of the Ceasefire Campaign led meetings in Pietermaritzburg, in the province of KwaZulu Natal, on 15 June. She met with the Coordinator, staff, and women from The Haven, a shelter in Pietermaritzburg to discuss gun violence. “In a province known for its traditional approach to women,” Laura noted, “it was not surprising that women related well to the issues I put on the table." Speaking in isiZulu, at least three women recounted harrowing stories of their experience of gun violence. One talked specifically about domestic violence. The Shelter coordinator confirmed that gunshots are often heard in the area, and has requested that Ceasefire organise further meetings.

Ceasefire was also involved in a Youth Day event with PACSA (Pietermartizburg Agency for Christian Social Action) with at last 300 young people. Laura Pollecut spoke about non-violence, guns and the value of being part of an international campaign. She also explained how South African law can be used to ensure that domestic violence abusers are denied access to guns. But more resources are needed to make sure that the law is implemented properly, she added. The Ceasefire Campaign also gave a national radio interview on 15 June.

* Film screening success

The Ceasefire Campaign screened the ARTE/Amnesty documentary Arms, Dealing and National Interests and Michael Moore’s film Bowling For Columbine in Johannesburg. A discussion on guns and domestic violence happened, and materials for the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign were distributed.

* Campaigners defend gun law

Gun Free South Africa campaigners displayed their solidarity with the police, defending the Firearms Control Act from a legal challenge in the High Court in Pretoria, on 23 June. An association of gun owners is attempting to challenge the 30 June deadline for obtaining a firearms license under the stricter terms of the Fireams Act, rather than the more permissive conditions for a license under the previous law. The Firearms Control Act was the result of GFSA campaigning, and implementation started in 2004. Gun owners have had 5 years to obtain a new licence.

Sudan

* Cross-border campaign and memorial mass
In Nimule, Southern Sudan, on 15 June, the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA) teamed up with the Ugandan Action Network on Small Arms (UANSA) to launch a cross-border campaign advocating gun-free elections. They were hosted by the local Catholic Church, where a memorial mass was held for those affected by gun violence. The two parties then led a peaceful march in remembrance of those who had been killed in Uganda and Sudan.

* Elections Without Guns campaign launched

The Week of Action culminated with Sunday’s event, which began with an ecumenical prayer service dedicated to victims of gun violence at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Nimule. The event was organised by Southern Sudan Action Network on Small Arms and the Catholic Diocese of Torit – Western Deanery – in collaboration with the Southern Sudan Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms control. It included the official launch of “Elections without Guns’’, a Southern Sudan-wide campaign aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of gun violence during the election process. The Magwi County Commissioner, His Excellency Emilio Igga, presided. The commissioner also attended the subsequent press conference which was addressed by CSO representatives, the area police chief, the Nimule Payam Judge and the coordinator of Kenya Action Network on Small Arms. The ATT, cross border arms trade concerns, and the Elections without Guns Campaign were discussed. The day ended with the final of a football tournament involving local youths.

Earlier in the week, SSANSA’s Women’s Development Group organised a symposium in Wau Western Bahar-El-Gazel state. This, was followed by a talk show on Bakhita Radio in Juba on Wednesday, and a civil society consultation on SALW organised by the Jonglei State Women’s Union in Bor on Thursday.

* Workshop and rally on domestic violence

Women Development Group (WDG) in Khartoum held a two-day workshop on gun violence in the home on 16-17 June. On 19 June, WDG, in association with Sawa Sawa Women Association, Women Relationship, and Ekawia Association led a peace march to the Council of Ministers. They presented a paper on the work of IANSA, SSANSA and the Disarm Domestic Violence campaign, to the Acting Governor, the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, and various other Ministers and Government Advisors. In her address to the crowd, Mary Rose Mariano, the Minister of Social Development, spoke about the impact of guns on women and gave examples of recent incidents where women had been killed by their husbands, including a local staff member of UNMIS.

Togo

*Colonel speaks out on guns
Colonel Assiah Toye, chairman of the National Commission against small arms tried to reassure the public during an interview with Channel FM Radio on 15 June. “The Commission must act to collect arms that are circulating in the community, and ensure that the population is not intimidated,” he said.

Uganda

Press conference on 15 June with members of the Uganda Action Network on Small Arms (UANSA)

* 'On fire with the Week of Action’

‘Uganda is on fire with the week of action’ reports Richard Mugisha, chair of the Uganda Action Network on Small Arms (UANSA). This followed a press conference on 15 June, attended by 4 major newspapers, 3 TV stations and 5 radio stations.

* Cross-border campaign and memorial mass
In Nimule, Southern Sudan, on 15 June, the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA) teamed up with UANSA to launch a cross-border campaign advocating gun-free elections. They were hosted by the local Catholic Church, where a memorial mass was held for those affected by gun violence. The two parties then led a peaceful march in remembrance of those who had been killed in Uganda and Sudan.

* Domestic violence treated as “normal thing”

Panelists from left to right are Miria Matembe, Rose Othieno, Richard Mugisha, and Joe Burua.

The Centre for Conflict Resolution (CECORE) and Uganda Action Network on Small Arms (UANSA) co-sponsored the national launch of the Disarm Domestic Violence (DDV) campaign at the Royal Imperial Hotel in Kampala on 19 June. Rose Othieno, CECORE, and Richard Mugisha, UANSA, represented civil society organisations, while former minister and gender activist Miria Matembe and current National Focal Point director Joe Burua explained the government’s response.

Rose explained that the DDV campaign aims to remove guns from the hands of known domestic violence offenders through laws that would make it impossible for offenders to own firearms without spousal notification. Miria concurred that domestic violence in Uganda is treated as almost a “normal thing” and that the legal authorities have been hesitant to deal with it. The event received coverage on several local radio stations and appeared in an article in Monday’s edition of The Daily Monitor.

Zambia

* Bus trips raise awareness, radio broadcast
The Action Network Advisory on Small Arms (ANASA) organised a fleet of buses out of the capital of Lusaka aimed at the far-off regions of Mongu, Mkushi, Kitwe, and Mansa on 16 and 18 June. At each destination, they targeted suburbs and small towns with street activities. They distributed materials, badges and stickers, to promote the awareness of the human cost of gun violence.

On 18 June, ANASA ’s Charles Mulenga appeared on the Christian Voice radio programme to address the dangers of the illegal transportation of guns. He emphasised the importance of decreasing local gun violence, and said it was critical for the nation’s leaders to support the Arms Trade Treaty and for the people to lobby government to provide better information on the dangers of gun possession. He also called on the authorities of the mining and industrial region of Kitwe to put a stop to the recent spurt in armed robberies.

* Media conference on ATT, domestic violence

Charles Mulenga of ANASA held a press conference with the Ministry of Defence on 19 June. It was attended by 15 media organisations, including local television station CBC. Charles detailed ANASA’s role in the Global Week of Action, stressing the need for the Zambian government to attend the ATT working group and support a strong agreement. He applauded last year’s efforts to keep the Ship of Shame away from Africa’s ports. He urged Zambia to reassess its firearm and police laws: to tackle armed robbery and the killing of private citizens; domestic violence; and the issue of poaching and its direct correlation to gun violence.

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