Controlling small arms and light weapons in Kenya and ... - Saferworld

6 c o n t r o l l i n g s m a l l a r m s a n d l i g h t w e a p o n s in k e n y a a n d u g a n d a : p ro g re s s s o f a rProgresstowardsstrategyimplementationRECSA’s progress in implementing is best considered along the three thematic areaslisted above. As we shall see, while some have criticised RECSA for the narrow focusof its strategy, this does have the merit of clear focus and attainability, certainly incomparison to some NFPs whose plans can be quite wide-ranging and costly.Institutional and legislative measuresn RECSA has overseen the ratification and deposit of instruments of ratification at itsSecretariat by member states, namely: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia,Republic of Uganda, The State of Eritrea, Republic of Rwanda, Democratic Republicof Congo, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Djibouti, Republic of Burundi, and theRepublic of Sudan, from 2004–2007. 16n RECSA has also organised regular Ministerial Review Conferences and GovernmentalExpert Meetings. This has ensured that SALW discussions maintain relevance at thetop levels of government in the member states. (However, considering the challengesrelated to lack of political will among member states to honour their commitments,the utility of these meetings is frequently questioned by sceptics.)n Facilitating and co-ordinating establishment of NFPs by member states is perhapsRECSA’s most significant achievement under this theme. The challenge is however,that the structures in most countries are not functioning as effectively as hoped due toa myriad of institutional and political problems (see below). The organisation has alsoprovided technical support to states on the review of SALW legislation in a numberof countries linked to the development of Best Practice Guidelines. However, evenwhere progress has been made to review legislation, the application of the best practiceguidelines has been minimal. Apparently most countries have not proactively soughtassistance from RECSA to assist in the process. 17 Further, despite the progresshighlighted above, the pace of harmonisation of laws and policies across the region(considered by many to be an ‘easy win’) has been slow. There seems to be consensusthat this is one area where RECSA needs to redouble its efforts. 18Research and informationIn the area of research and information, various best practice guidelines and actionplans have been developed by RECSA, as follows:n Best Practice Guidelines on Arms Control and Management adopted by the Groupof Government Experts in May 2005 and endorsed during the 3rd Ministerial ReviewConference in June 2005n Best Practice Guidelines on Practical Disarmament (2009/2010)n Guidelines for Regional Harmonisation of Legislation on firearms and ammunition(2005)n Researchers’ Manual on SALW (June 2010) 19n In addition, RECSA has co-ordinated the development of National Action Plans onSmall Arms in member states, most notably Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi,Eritrea, Djibouti and Ethiopia.Overall, this appears to be one of the areas where good progress has been made.For example, the Best Practice Guidelines have been developed through wideconsultations with various actors and they embrace international best practice.16 See www.recsasec.org/ratification.htm, 30 January 2011.17 For more information on harmonisation of legislation, see Saferworld, Harmonising Small Arms Legislation: Selected CaseStudies, (London: Saferworld, 2011).18 Ibid.19 RECSA, Small Arms and Human Security Research: A Manual for Researchers in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa Regionand Bordering States, (2010).