ECOWAS Warns Against Diversion of Legally Acquired Arms in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned member states and security stakeholders against the diversion of legally acquired arms, stressing the need for stronger controls to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

The regional bloc said proper management, monitoring and accountability of arms and ammunition remain critical to maintaining peace and security across West Africa, where the illegal circulation of small arms and light weapons has continued to fuel conflicts, terrorism, organised crime and instability.

ECOWAS said the concern is not only about weapons obtained illegally but also about the possibility of legally purchased arms being diverted from their authorised users or supply chains. The organisation emphasised that effective tracking systems, documentation and cooperation among member states are necessary to prevent such incidents.

The warning was issued as ECOWAS continues efforts to strengthen regional arms transfer controls. The bloc recently trained national focal persons responsible for arms regulation, importation, transfer authorisation and oversight, with the aim of improving implementation of its arms control framework.

West Africa has faced long-running challenges involving the movement of small arms and light weapons across borders. Security experts have linked the spread of illicit weapons to armed groups, banditry, terrorism and criminal networks operating in parts of the region.

Under the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, member states agreed to strengthen control over arms transfers, improve transparency, exchange information and prevent unauthorised possession and trafficking of weapons.

The regional body has encouraged countries to improve their national systems for registering weapons, securing stockpiles and monitoring the movement of arms from the point of acquisition to their final authorised users.

Security analysts say preventing diversion requires more than regulations alone. They argue that governments must also address weak border controls, corruption, poor record-keeping and inadequate monitoring systems that can allow weapons to move outside official channels.

For West African countries battling insecurity, controlling the movement of arms remains a major part of broader efforts to reduce violence and strengthen regional stability.

ECOWAS said continued cooperation among member states will be essential to ensuring that legally acquired weapons serve their intended security purposes and do not contribute to the growing threat of armed violence in the region.