ECOWAS condemns illicit movement of weapons, mercenaries in W.Africa

ECOWAS condemns illicit movement of weapons, mercenaries in W.Africa

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has expressed concern over what it described as illicit movement of sophisticated weapons and mercenary fighters across West African borders.

In a statement made available to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, the commission attributed the development to the ongoing crisis in Libya and the recent conflict in Cote d’Ivoire. 

Internal unrest

The statement said that the situation was worrisome and posed grave danger to the stability of the sub-region, particularly in countries emerging from conflicts and those experiencing internal unrest.

Safeguarding peace

The commission urged member states to be extra-vigilant in monitoring movements across their borders with a view to arresting perpetrators of crime and forestalling acts that could jeopardise the prevailing peace and tranquility in the sub-region.

“The situation also requires the strict implementation of the relevant provisions of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their ammunition and other materials relating to inter-state cooperation and the strengthening of border controls,'' it stated.

The commission further appealed to citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement, especially of weapons or mercenaries as a means of contributing their quota to safeguarding life and property within the sub-region.

NAN/Shakira/Williams