Civil society advocates ratification of Arms Trade Treaty

The Cameroon Youth and Students Forum for Peace, CAMYOSFOP, through its Executive Director, Eugine Ngalim Nyuydine, is calling on the government of Cameroon to ratify the Kinshasa Convention for the control of small arms and light weapons, their ammunition, all parts and components that can be used in their manufacture, repair and assembly.

The call comes on the heels of a consultation, mobilisation and sensitisation of the civil society and government officials on the Arms Trade Treaty, ATT.

Cameroon signed the treaty in 2013, but isyet to ratify it for effective implementation. If the cry of civil societies is heard, Parliament would deliberate on the terms of the treaty and forward it to the President for ratification.

The ATT, The Post learnt, establishes common international standards for international trade in conventional arms, ammunition and parts and components for the purpose of contributing to peace and security, reducing human suffering and promoting cooperation and transparency.

The treaty further bans arms shipments that could be used to commit genocide, war crimes, attacks on civilians, facilitate gender-based violence and other crimes.

EugeneNgalim, who is alsothe Chairperson of the Peace and Security Cluster of the AU ECOSOCC, said ratifying the treaty will greatly contribute to reducing the illegal shipment of arms into the country. “Given that the treaty outlines specific criteria for states to apply when making arms transfer decisions, illegal arms circulation will greatly lessen in the country.

The ATT has the potential to advance human security through improving accountability, responsibility and transparency in international arms transfer controls. If ratified, and its conditions implemented, a safer and more secure environment for all will be ensured,” he stated.

To him, ratifying the ATT will directly reduce the number of victims in conflicts; threats posed to UN personnel such as peacekeepers by uncontrolled proliferation of arms and in the long term, generate positive indirect impacts such as poverty reduction, improved healthcare and educational opportunities.

On his part, MissakKasango, an expert in small arms and light weapons and representative of ECCAS, highlighted the insecurity posed by uncontrolled shipment of arms and light weapons.

“In recent decades traditional inter-state wars have increasingly given way to internal and asymmetric conflicts, which have been fuelled by illicit or poorly regulated arms sales. Such conflicts have targeted civilian populations who have become the main victims of armed violence. Cameroon ratifying this treaty,offers hope of a further reduction in armed violence against civilians, with associated positive impacts on living standards, health and education,” he stated.

The workshop funded by the Regional Centre on Small Arms, RESCA, brought experts from the Ministry of External Relations and other civil societies to brainstorm on possible recommendations to assist the government in the ratification of the treaty.