Regional Centre on Small Arms - RECSA

RECSA 17th Technical Advisory Committee Meeting 🛡️

We are gathering in Kigali, Rwanda, for a week of strategic technical dialogue (May 25th - 29th, 2026).

17ème REUNION DU COMITE CONSULTATIF TECHNIQUE DU RECSA
الاجتماع السابع عشر للجنة الاستشارية الفنية للمركز الإقليمي للأسلحة الصغيرة

Together with our 15 member states, we remain committed to the goal of "Cooperating to Disarm." Follow us for highlights from the summit!
Rwanda National Police

Two decades ago, the Nairobi Protocol was signed to combat the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa.

A new 20-year "Scorecard" report reveals how far we’ve come. From just a handful of coordination offices in 2005 to established National Focal Points in every member state today, the region has significantly strengthened its security frameworks.

Key Achievements:
🔹 More robust national laws governing the life-cycle of weapons.
🔹 Widespread marking of state-owned arms to prevent diversion.
🔹 Improved stockpile management and physical security.

The Road Ahead:
Despite these wins, illicit weapons still circulate, and new threats like 3D-printed fi****ms and improvised drones are emerging. The report calls for a renewed political commitment to align the Protocol with modern global standards.
Ministry of Interior and National Administration Rwanda National Police

👇 Read the full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wzRBrBXCBJIpKoXuymgJig-2SvnbuIQ2/view?usp=drive_link

Cross Smith, representing the United Kingdom High Commission in Kenya, acknowledged the progress made in strengthening regional legislation and implementation of small arms control measures. She emphasized that emerging challenges, including evolving weapons technologies and porous borders, require coordinated, transnational responses to effectively address the changing security landscape.


Ministry of Interior and National Administration Rwanda National Police United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

After 20 years of the Nairobi Protocol, how far has implementation come? 🌍

Our new study with the Regional Centre on Small Arms - RECSA reviews implementation across 13 Member States and 16 thematic areas, highlighting progress, challenges and priorities to inform future guidelines.

We thank the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for their support.

🔗 unidir.org/nairobi-20

Jean Pierre Betindji emphasized that while Member States have made notable progress in strengthening small arms control systems, evolving trafficking dynamics and emerging threats require sustained adaptation and innovation. He reaffirmed RECSA’s commitment to coordinating regional efforts, strengthening policy frameworks, and advancing partnerships to translate progress into lasting impact across the region.


Rwanda National Police Ministry of Interior and National Administration United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

CG Felix Namuhoranye, Inspector General of Police, Rwanda National Police and Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, highlighted the importance of strengthened regional coordination and sustained cooperation in addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He noted that while progress has been made, continued collaboration across borders remains critical in tackling the persistent challenges of conflict, crime, and insecurity in the region.


Rwanda National PoliceMinistry of Interior and National Administration United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

Chief Guest Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, underscored the importance of strengthening implementation at the national level to translate regional commitments into tangible impact. He highlighted the need for effective border management, improved data and tracing systems, and stronger accountability mechanisms to address gaps and respond to evolving security threats.


Dr. Raymond Omollo Ministry of Interior and National Administration

The Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA) today launched the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, marking a major milestone in assessing progress made from 2005 to 2025.

The report highlights significant gains in strengthening national legislation, improving stockpile management and enhancing coordination across Member States. It also outlines key priorities to address emerging threats, including illicit arms flows, evolving trafficking methods and the need for stronger cross-border cooperation.

Held under the theme “Renewing Regional SALW Control Commitment,” the event reaffirmed the importance of sustained regional collaboration in advancing peace, security, and stability.


United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

https://www.recsasec.org/upcoming-event-launch-of-the-regional-assessment-report-on-the-nairobi-protocol/

Upcoming Event: Launch of the Regional Assessment Report on the Nairobi Protocol – RECSA RECSA is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, taking place in Nairobi on 25 March 2026. This landmark publication provides the first comprehensive, systematic assessment of the Protocol’s implementation over its 20...

https://youtu.be/R7erq074LRI

Review & Strengthening the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol The Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) convened key stakeholders to review and strengthen the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, a critical framework...

RECSA is honoured to participate in the UNPDF SALW Project Launch convening in Kampala, 10–13 February 2026. This initiative aims to advance disarmament policy dialogue across Africa and strengthen the capacities of States in the Great Lakes region in weapons and ammunition management (WAM) within DDR contexts.

RECSA proudly joins Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in this collective endeavour, and extends its profound appreciation to and all partner organizations for their exemplary collaboration and steadfast support.