Nairobi, Kenya – The Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) celebrated two decades of progress in combating the illicit proliferation of small arms in Africa this week, as government officials and experts from across the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa gathered in Nairobi for the RECSA@20 conference.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration, kicked off the week-long event, delivering a keynote address that reflected both on the achievements and the ongoing challenges in tackling the region’s arms trade.
For 20 years, RECSA has been at the forefront of regional efforts to curb the flow of illicit arms, striving to ensure peace and security in a region plagued by instability. Despite significant strides, the threat remains urgent, as Dr. Omollo noted in his remarks.
“The security situation remains complex,” Dr. Omollo stated, emphasizing that no nation in the region can truly be secure as long as instability persists in neighboring countries. He pointed to the critical role that porous borders, weak enforcement, and inadequate coordination play in fueling the illicit arms trade. These factors, he warned, are contributing to a surge in terrorism, organized crime, and economic disruptions across the region.
“This is not just a series of crises—it’s a regional emergency,” Dr. Omollo said, calling for more immediate and unified action among the member states of RECSA. He urged stronger intelligence-sharing, the updating of national laws, and greater funding for operations to curb the flow of illegal weapons.
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The conference also underscored the importance of reforming RECSA’s legal and financial frameworks. “The changing landscape of security requires a response that matches the urgency of today’s challenges,” Dr. Omollo noted, stressing that member states must contribute consistently to the effort. He urged for innovative partnerships that could provide solutions with greater impact.
As the conference progresses, Dr. Omollo’s message has been clear: regional security is a shared responsibility. “We must act together,” he emphasized. “Kenya stands committed to ensuring that the collective security of the region remains a priority for all.”
Throughout the week, experts and officials will work on formulating RECSA’s strategy for the next decade. The discussions will focus on strengthening cross-border cooperation and enhancing the capacity of local law enforcement agencies to address the complex threats posed by illicit small arms. The aim is to ensure a safer and more secure future for the region.
RECSA’s efforts are critical in stabilizing the region and reducing the impact of arms proliferation on communities, ensuring that peace and security are prioritized across the continent.
