The First Ministerial Review Conference of the Nairobi Declaration on the Problem of the Proliferation of Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa
Statement by Statement by Hon. Maj (Rtd) Marsden H. Madoka, E.G.H., M.P.Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation During the Official Opening
Honourable ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that i welcome you to Kenya, and in particular to the first ministerial review conference of the Nairobi declaration on small arms. Your presence and participation in this very timely conference is a clear testimony of the importance which the countries of the great lakes region and horn of Africa attach to the problems posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
May I also take this opportunity at the very outset, to express appreciation to the small arms experts from the region, who have been meeting here for the last two days. I am aware that the experts’ meeting has done a commendable job and I hope that such meetings will be held more regularly in future.
Ladies and gentlemen,
You will recall that on 15th march, 2000, the ministers for foreign affairs of Burundi, democratic republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda and the united republic of Tanzania signed the Nairobi declaration on the problem of the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the great lakes region and the horn of Africa.
The signing of the Nairobi declaration was followed in November, 2000, by the preparation of a co-ordinated agenda for action and an implementation plan. States parties to the Nairobi declaration agreed,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is my expectation that this conference will thoroughly examine and review the implementation of the Nairobi declaration. In doing this, the meeting must realistically take stock of our achievements as well as the weaknesses and challenges facing us. The ultimate objective of the conference should be to identify key priorities for implementation over the coming year.
Having said that, I wish to emphasize that in spite of the fact that we are specifically reviewing our regional initiative, the small arms problem is a global one. In this connection, it is prudent for us to bear in mind that since the signing of the Nairobi declaration, significant developments have taken place in the international arena. The 2001 United Nations programme of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects and the Bamako declaration on a common African position on the illicit proliferation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons are important milestones that should further inform and guide our deliberations. Indeed, I note with satisfaction that the principles behind the regional, continental and global initiative are similar in many respects. In this regard, we should be able to move forward in conformity with all our international obligations without undue hindrance.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As you may already know, during the African conference on the Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms: Needs and Partnerships held on 18th – 21st March, 2002 in Pretoria, South Africa, emphasis was put on the need to build a sustainable global partnership in tackling small arms issues. Further, I am happy to note that during the small arms conference in July 2001 in New York, which I attended in my previous capacity as minister in charge of internal security, I had the privilege of presiding over the launching of the document containing Nairobi declaration, co-ordinated agenda for action and the implementation plan. During that occasion, a group of partners and donors came together in our support and constituted the friends of Nairobi declaration.
May I take this opportunity to acknowledge their support and further thank those of them present here today.
We in the great lakes region and the horn of Africa, have always set the standards for concerted international action against illicit arms. It is my hope that in this conference, we will not only create renewed impetus to push the regional small arms agenda forward, but also create a sustainable partnership between governments in the region, donors and the civil society in tackling the problem of small arms. We share similar objectives and strong commitment to the course. We should therefore jointly review and strengthen existing bilateral and multilateral mechanisms for prevention, combating and eradicating small arms in the region. Our respective governments must spearhead these efforts and demonstrate unwavering political will to follow through the requisite processes.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I note with satisfaction that this region and indeed the whole of Africa has the peace and security agenda on a very high pedestal. As you may recall, at the African union summit in Durban, a peace and security council was established. In order to realise the objectives of the continent, it is important that an atmosphere of peace and security is attained. This noble objective cannot be realised without eliminating the problem of illicit arms. The task is indeed daunting but it behoves us to commit ourselves and make the necessary sacrifices to effectively deal with the problem. I have no doubt that with determination and commitment, coupled with the continued support and goodwill of our partners, we shall soon begin to reap the fruits of our labour.
In conclusion, let me reiterate my appeal to this conference to candidly review the progress we have made and chart a workable way forward. We should also come up with concrete recommendations that will lead to a reduction of the demand and supply of illicit arms in this region.
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is now my pleasure to declare the first ministerial review conference of the Nairobi declaration on small arms officially open.
Thank you.
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