WAANSA seeks Buhari’s partnership with ECOWAS states on small arms, light weapons

The West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to work with ECOWAS and other member states, including Togo and Ghana, in the practical implementation of arms trade treaty to deal with festering security challenges in the region.
In a press statement made in Enugu by WAANSA Vice President, South East, Comrade Elvis Ekeoma Osimiri, the group said the establishment of international standard for arms trade, export and transfer would go a long way to advance the success of peace initiatives in the region, noting that, “illegal arms and light weapons find their way to conflict zones making government strategic efforts to curb violence non-realizable.” Osimiri said: “As WAANSANigeria nominee for the advisory board chairman, the onus lies on the president to mobilise regional forces to bring to an end this ugly menace that has frustrated regional development through diversion of funds for infrastructure development to checkmate insecurity.
“WAASA- Nigeria reassures ECOWAS and other region bodies of their commitment to step up more campaign with particular consideration to young women who are mostly victims of armed conflicts,” he added noting the United Nations resolution on women which emphasises the involvement of men and women on the basis of equity in crucial issue of peace and security.
The statement commended the Enugu state Police Command and South East at large for the commitment towards mopping up small arms and curtaining of farmers, herders clashes, for the sustenance of a peaceful country.