This was the first meeting of the Committee with an expanded mandate that includes small arms and light weapons (SALW) and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR). The meeting offered its members the opportunity to provide updates on their efforts to combat the proliferation of SALW and promote DDR. Participants further exchanged views on ways and means of supporting and strengthening each other’s endeavors. The AU Commission used this opportunity to underscore the need for enhanced coordination of the implementation of SALW and DDR activities in Member States and the Committee was briefed on the steps so far taken by the AU Commission towards the establishment of an African Police Coordination mechanism.