MESSAGE to the AUTHORITY of HEADS of STATE and GOVERNMENT of the ECONOMIC COMMUNITY of WEST AFRICAN STATESfrom the WEST AFRICAN NG0 CONSULTATION on SMALL ARMS
30 October 1998, Abuja, Nigeria
We, participants in the West African non-governmental organizations consultation on small arms taking place in Abuja, the Federal Republic of Nigeria from October 29-30, 1998 while the 21st Annual ECOWAS summit was in progress, welcome with great satisfaction the historic adoption and declaration by West African leaders, of the Moratorium on the import, export and manufacture of light weapons. The proliferation and use of small arms and light weapons in the sub-region is a threat to peace, security, and stability. Their consequences undermine all conscientious efforts aimed at development protection and upholding of human rights and democracy.
With poverty, underdevelopment and injustice being among the main causes for conflict in West Africa, the proliferation and the use, importation and manufacture of small arms have invariably further aggravated the economic and social consequences on society, particularly among women and children. The use of small arms has exacted untold human suffering in the form of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, the destruction of life and property along with massive human right violations.
In the light of the above, we, representing civil society hereby pledge our unflinching support for the effective implementation and monitoring of the Moratorium and undertake to collaborate with state authorities in their efforts in this direction.
While Your Excellencies conscientiously search for peace and sustainable development in the sub-region, we congratulate and wish you fruitful deliberations.
Done this 30th day of October, 1998 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria