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MAG has worked in Burundi since 2007, destroying small arms and light weapons (SALW), improving the security of weapons stockpiles, and responding to reported items of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Burundi's civil war and ethnic violence has left the country underdeveloped, insecure, and suffering from severe economic disruption. Nearly 100,000 households are thought to possess SALW, and many more weapons are stored in easily accessible and poorly maintained stockpiles. MAG's work has a positive impact on human security and peace building within Burundi. By training members of the Burundian Army (FDN) and Burundian Police (PNB) MAG, has been able to develop a sustainable SALW/UXO management and destruction program.
MAG works closely with the authorities to address the problems caused by SALW through the following:
- Highly-trained teams are able to destroy SALW, MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems), and other weapons found in stockpiles throughout Burundi
- A mobile team trained in both unexploded ordnance (UXO) and SALW destruction methods works with the police to locate and either secure or destroy items of concern
- MAG's technical advice provides guidance to the relevant authorities, enabling them to better manage the inventory, storage, security, and destruction of SALW and UXO
One of MAG’s most notable achievements is that it has integrated its SALW/UXO work within Burundi’s national institutions, structures and plans, and the legal framework of the Nairobi Protocol, which requires that all member states actively control and destroy stockpiles of weapons within their boundaries. This strategic approach has enabled the development of a SALW/UXO management and destruction program that significantly contributes to the restoration of security and reduces the threat of violence to the population of Burundi. More specifically, the Burundian Army and Police benefit from specialized technical capacity-building, ensuring the establishment of a sustainable national program.
With a well-trained national police force, it is hoped Burundi's weapon stockpiles will be safe from arms trafficking
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MAG has been in Burundi since 2007, working to reduce the threat of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in partnership with the Police National Burundaise (PNB). MAG's work has been geared at establishing a sustainable conflict recovery program through training, development and partnership with the national police. It is hoped that this partnership will enable the national police to manage, control, and maintain existing stockpiles of weapons, and destroy those that are surplus. With a well-trained national police force, it is hoped Burundi's weapon stockpiles will be safe from arms trafficking common in the area. |