Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Arusha (Agenzia Fides) - The problem of the uncontrolled spread of firearms and weapons of war has been the focus of a meeting held by members of Parliament from eastern African countries, which took place in Arusha, Tanzania.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and from the Africa Legislative Assembly, the Parliament of the Community of Eastern Africa.
Although the illegal distribution of weapons of war is a problem mainly in those countries that have recently emerged from a civil war, such as Burundi, it does not cease to be a threat to other countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. In Kenya, fighting caused by the recent crisis has claimed the lives of over a thousand people, some killed by the traditional armory of arrows and knives, others by Kalashnikov rifles.
According to a recent study, in Tanzania there are also areas that have recently seen an increase in arms trafficking, especially in the areas that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country that still maintains active guerilla groups, in Kigoma, Kagera, Morogoro, and on a smaller scale, the Arusha, Mwanza. In the coastal regions, as well, arms trafficking has been more common.
The study confirms that Tanzania is secure during daylight hours, except in Kagera and Kigoma, although at night there is definitely a lessened sense of security. In general , the crime level is lower than in neighboring countries, such as Kenya. The most common criminal acts are cattle theft and household robberies.
Tribal leaders continue to play an important role in the resolution of conflicts and the population prefers turning to them, more than to their government authorities.
So, if the situation seems to be relatively stable and tranquil, where is this increase in the illegal distribution of arms coming from? According to a study, the main contributing factor for the increase in demand for arms comes from the economic conditions. Although over a quarter of those asked in a poll expressed their openness to gun ownership, there is also an equally large number of persons in favor of placing firearms under control.
A joint effort is needed between state authorities and local communities, in order to control this situation. Tanzania has always supported initiatives against illegal trafficking in the region, and has taken an active role in placing legal standards common for all Eastern African nations, in order to control the commerce and possession of arms.
The problem is also intensifying, as well, in Angola, where authorities have ordered an increased vigilance for weapons warehouses of the military and police force. They are also confiscating all war weapons in possession of private security groups that, in the future, will only be allowed to possess common weaponry. In Angola, there are still a great deal of weapons in circulation from the time of the Civil War (1975-2002), however, according to a local chief of police, there is also traffic of illegal weapons from the Democratic Republic of Congo. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 10/3/2008; righe 40, parole 497)
