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MAG is helping to reduce the risk of weapons and munitions falling into the wrong hands, and of stockpiles accidentally exploding. |
The problem
Small arms and light weapons (SALW) are a problem in Rwanda, as in many other countries in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region [see PDF link under 'Find out more']. The proliferation and misuse of illicit SALW fuels violence, insecurity and instability, directly undermining development of the region.
In addition, the combination of poor storage conditions for surplus munitions and the hot, humid environment increases the risk of accidental detonation of stockpiles. These are often located close to civilian populations.
Although committed to SALW and munitions control, Rwandan authorities have identified a lack of financial resources and limited technical capacity as obstacles to the control and management of small arms and munitions.
How MAG is helping
MAG’s aim is to improve the country’s security and stability, by contributing to a reduction in the availability of SALW and munitions whilst reducing the risk from stockpiles that are retained.
Technical assistance and training has been given to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in the safe destruction of surplus weapons, ordnance and small arms ammunition, as well as stockpile management.
Working with the RDF, by January 2010 MAG had destroyed 30,248 weapons in Rwanda in less than a year. On top of that, a total of 70 metric tons of ammunition has been destroyed since March 2009, including 1,332 hand grenades.
Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.
Beneficiaries
The population of Rwanda benefits from a reduced risk of violent crime, which can result from the looting of insecurely stored weapons, while people living close to stockpiles are at a reduced risk of death or injury from accidental detonation.
Equally, the RDF’s capacity to safely store, manage and destroy SALW and munitions is increasing.
Find out more
- MAG Rwanda in depth
- 'Disarmament in the Congo: Investing in Conflict Prevention' – an International Crisis Group briefing paper [PDF]
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MAG would like to express its thanks to the following donor to its Rwanda operations: Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State.
January 2010
www.maginternational.org/rwanda
