The spread of arms in Africa threatens stability and development.
The increase in weapon sales to Africa has resulted in the widespread availability of low-cost firearms.
Ineffective law enforcement and security services contribute to the high prevalence of civilian arms usage.
The unchecked proliferation of small arms and light weapons has intensified conflicts, weakened governance, and led to humanitarian crises, as civilian gun ownership has reached an alarming level.
A report by the Small Arms Survey indicates that, as of 2017, 857 million (85%) of the one billion firearms in circulation globally were held by civilians, while 133 million (13%) were in military stockpiles, and 23 million (2%) were owned by law enforcement agencies.
The report also notes that the global stockpile has risen over the past decade, primarily due to civilian ownership, which increased from 650 million in 2006 to 857 million in 2017.
An additional report from the U.S. Department of State on arms and conflicts in Africa emphasizes a notable shift in weapon sales in Sub-Saharan Africa since the Cold War’s conclusion.
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According to the report, many arms manufacturers have redirected their attention to Africa as a profitable market, aiming to sell surplus weapons that have become outdated due to political and technological changes since the Cold War.
This shift has resulted in the widespread availability of affordable, user-friendly, and easily maintainable weapons, such as AK-47s, which can be acquired for as little as $6 in certain African nations.
This availability has driven extensive destruction and intensified conflicts throughout the continent.
Another factor contributing to the widespread use of civilian arms is the ineffectiveness of law enforcement and security services, leading frustrated citizens to resort to any means necessary to protect their lives and livelihoods.
The presence of weapons extends and escalates conflicts, particularly in areas such as the Sahel, Central Africa, and the Horn of Africa.
Ongoing violence displaces millions, resulting in a humanitarian crisis characterized by poverty, hunger, and a lack of essential services.
According to the Small Arms Survey, the following African nations have the highest rates of civilian gun ownership:
| Rank | Country | Civilian Firearm Owners |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | 6,200,000 |
| 2 | South Africa | 5,350,000 |
| 3 | Egypt | 3,930,000 |
| 4 | Angola | 2,980,000 |
| 5 | Sudan | 2,770,000 |
The extensive spread of small arms in Africa occurs despite the continent’s stringent gun laws.
Even though many African nations have implemented robust legislation to address the use of small arms, the region continues to have the largest illicit small arms market, exacerbating the continent’s severe security crisis.
