Assessing the Implementation of the Regional Policy on Trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in West Africa

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a regional organization is increasingly assuming the mantle to provide political guidance and reforms. It has gained more power that has allowed promoting, guiding and help to provide the required policies in various functional areas in member states especially in regional security and peacekeeping irrespective of the fact that ECOWAS was originally purposes was to integrate economically. However, its role in the control of trafficking in Small Arms and Light Weapons has not been adequately explored. This research uncovers the initiatives put in place by ECOWAS to control the illicit trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons through its conventions and projects in relation to small arms and light weapons in West Africa. The study was informed by the functionalist and neo-functionalist theories and then constructivist perspective as a methodological tool. A qualitative case study research design was used. Purposeful sampling, interviews and documentary review were used as techniques for sampling and collecting data. A sample size of 19 was used for the study. Semi-structured in-depths interviews were conducted with key informants from institutions and organisations that are involved in the small arms and light weapons issues. National Commissions on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NATCOMs), civil societies and regional bodies that are mostly headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria. The study findings showed that ECOWAS Convention is the main policy document that ECOWAS uses to control the trafficking of SALW. This document has been a useful instrument in efforts to control the trafficking of SALW in West Africa and among its member states although to varying degree of success. In order to have all round success and for the ECOWAS Convention to be effective in the control of SALW, this study recommends that , member states also have to in tandem, implement all relevant instruments including the Convention the UN Firearms Protocol, the UN Programme of Action and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and to also ensure implementation of the Protocol on The Mechanism Related to Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution and Peacekeeping and the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. It is also important to put in place more development initiatives that will reduce poverty and promote education.