From 4 to 5 February 2026, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in a UNDP and Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre regional dialogue on weapons and ammunition management in the context of preventing violent conflict in the Gulf of Guinea and the Sahel. The dialogue was held in Accra, Ghana.
The meeting brought together representatives from the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and international partners to examine strategies to address the proliferation of weapons and ammunition as a driver of violent conflict and violent extremism in the region.
The AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, outlined the African Union’s support to Regional Economic Communities and Member States, including initiatives engaging faith based actors and implementation of Africa Amnesty Month. Discussions highlighted the need for region specific approaches, particularly in contexts where armed groups operate across borders.
Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening weapons and ammunition management within disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration processes, including attention to gender and age sensitive protection needs, particularly for children associated with armed forces and groups.
Senior representatives from the Government of Ghana, UNDP and KAIPTC reiterated support for coordinated preventive strategies and alignment with AU mechanisms, including the AU Standing Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and DDR frameworks.
UNOAU’s participation supported strengthened UN-AU cooperation on conflict prevention and regional stability in West Africa and the Sahel.
