An Ecowas delegation on Sunday arrived in The Gambia to advocate for the quick ratification and the coming into force of the Ecowas convention on small arms and light weapons, ammunitions and related materials.

On 14th June 2006, Ecowas Heads of State and governments adopted the Ecowas convention on small arms and light weapons in Abuja , Nigeria .   The sole aim of the convention, is to enthrone a culture of peace, through the control of proliferation of SALW in the sub -region.

The release stated that the mission will end on 25th October, and the delegation will meet to sensitise top officials of government in the Executive, Legislature, the Armed Forces, Police, and Immigration.   The delegation will also meet and exchange views with members of the civil society and the media.

In order for the convention to come into force, nine member states need to ratify it.   At the moment, only Niger has ratified it, although many other countries are in advanced stage of concluding the process.   This ratification entails that the instrument be deposited by the member states to the Ecowas Commission.

Major General Charles Okae (rtd), Director of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, is leading the delegation which comprises Commandant Abdourahmane Dieng, Deputy Head, Small Arms Unit and Oluwafisan Bankale, Policy, Advocacy and Communication Officer of SAU/ ECPSAP.

Ecowas Commission had in the past embarked on similar missions to Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Senegal and Togo.