» About MAG's work in the Republic of Congo
During the period 1993-1999, the Republic of Congo experienced three main episodes of conflict, which resulted in the displacement of approximately 810,000 people, and the death of an estimated 15,000 people, carried out by militia groups who reportedly obtained over 24,000 arms through “widespread looting of police and military depots” [1].
Although strenuous efforts were made to recover these weapons, through informal disarmament and reintegration programmes between 1999 and 2002, it was estimated that 34,000 weapons still remained in circulation in the Republic of Congo in 2005.
Many of the weapons and unexploded ordnance which were successfully seized are now being stored in and around military depots in highly populated areas, in conditions which pose a threat to human safety and security.
The presence of unsecured weapons and ammunition, provides a viable and common means for militia groups to rearm in the event of renewed conflict in the country, and furthermore could encourage the illicit trade of such items across any of the five countries bordering the Republic of Congo.
In addition, unsafe storage conditions increase the likelihood of ammunition store fires or explosions, which have already occurred on several occasions in the country, and have resulted in civilian deaths and casualties long after the initial detonation.
[1] "Small Arms Availability, Trade and Impacts in the Republic of Congo” (Small Arms Survey, April 2002)
