Kick-Off Workshop of the European Union Partner-2-Partner Export Control Programme on Arms Diversion in Western Africa

10/11/2016
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10/11/2016
Activity description

A component of the EU COARM Outreach Programme, the Kick-Off Workshop on Arms Diversion in Western Africa focused on the issue of arms diversion and transfer controls. This was the first event of its kind organized by the EU P2P project. After the opening ceremony, representatives from 16 participant West African nations were introduced to the subject of arms control diversion in Western Africa, then engaged in discussion on pre-export assessment and post-delivery notification measures. After lunch the discussion shifted to the tracking of sources of arms diversion in Western Africa, and the concluding session dealt with implementation and enhancement of arms controls in Western Africa. Key experts from the Belgian NGO GRIP, the South African NGO CPMD, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and Conflict Armament Research Ltd. Supported the event, which was held in Ougadougou, Burkina Faso.

Project description

Based on the EU Council Decision 2015/2309, this project aims at promoting improved controls on arms transfers and to support efforts, at domestic and regional levels, to render international trade in conventional weapons more responsible and transparent. Where relevant, it includes the promotion of the principles and criteria set out in Common Position 2008/944/CFSP and in the Arms Trade Treaty. Support is also given to the training of licensing and enforcement officers responsible for the implementation and enforcement of arms transfer controls, and to national and regional measures promoting transparency and appropriate scrutiny over exports of conventional weapons. Furthermore, contacts with the private sector and compliance with relevant national legal and administrative provisions that regulate the transfer of arms are promoted.

Type of Activity
Sensitization and outreach
Focus of Activity
Diversion
International instruments
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) controls
Tracing
Transfer controls
Partners
Burkina Faso
Implementers
German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
Donors
Germany
European Union (EU)
Contact Details

Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA)
Division 225
Address: Frankfurter Str. 29 – 35, 65760 Eschborn, Germany
Phone: +49 6196 908-2602
Fax: +49 6196 908 11-2602
Email: att@bafa.bund.de
Website: http://www.bafa.de/bafa/en/

European External Action Service
Directorate for Security Policy and Conflict Prevention
B-1049 Brussels
Email: NonProliferation-Disarm@eeas.europa.eu