Conclusion

We are all aware of the prevailing situation in the remainder of Africa - and in countries in the SADC region in particular - concerning the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. It is also recognised that operations such as Rachel are essential throughout the region to solve some problems experienced with illicit small arms and light weapons left behind in countries after the end of conflicts. But what must be remembered is that this type of weapons destruction can only be successful and productive if:

the political approval of all parties involved in the conflict is unanimous;
it is in the interest of the population; and
it results in the reduction of crimes associated with firearms.

Operation Rachel is destroying arms caches where they are found, where they are close to large villages and cities, in the countryside and close to international borders of Mozambique, not just at focused big economical cities in Mozambique.

It is evident that operations such as Operation Rachel and the TAE project have had a positive impact on the stability of the country in question, and that it is aligned with decisions and recommendations made by various international and regional bodies. Operations of this kind also contributed to the realisation of the International Peace and Cooperation Programme of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). This cannot be more succinctly put than in the following words of Director Martin Naudé of the South African Police Service Serious and Violent Crime Unit, Head Office Pretoria:

"I think that Rachel at this stage is clear proof that Southern Africa is both honest and sincere in its intentions to stabilize the region. As far as I am aware this is the only clear evidence at this stage that we are involved in joint operations in order to ensure stability that can lead to economic growth and development and foreign investment in a stable environment."

Currently the SARPCCO Training Sub-Committee is in an advanced stage of developing training curricula for cross border operations and destruction operations which will be of huge value and benefit for any sub-region when considering such destruction processes.

The Southern African region is once again proving that it is one of the leaders internationally when addressing the issue of small arms and its control. The region is making use of the skills and expertise available in its midst to solve and destroy one of the biggest destabilising elements in existence.