UNOAU participated in the meeting of the Second AU-Regions Standing Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) on 19 May. The AU-Regions Standing Committee on SALW and DDR provides an institutional platform for information sharing and inter-regional learning, fostering common understanding of SALW/DDR issues, and addressing emerging related challenges. 

During the meeting, members provided an update on their activities and exchanged views on priorities, and on enhanced cooperation in supporting Member States. Common challenges were identified among members including issues related to funding and operational challenges related to Covid-19 pandemic. Other than the Members, two Member States (Ethiopia and Ghana) were also invited to share national experiences in the fight against illicit proliferation of SALW, and to showcase the way they are working with the RECs/RMs and the AU Commission. In addition, the Bonn International Centre for Conversion (BICC), which is supporting the efforts of the AUC in the fight against illicit SALW, also participated at the meeting. Among members, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Standby Force did not attend the meeting.

 At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to think through a better way to improve the work relationship between the AUC and the RECs/RMs, especially those who are establishing Standing Committees at RECs/RMs levels. It is recalled that the AU-Regions Steering Committee on SALW was established in 2008 as a platform for coordination and ensuring synergy among the AU and the RECs in supporting Member States in the fight against illicit SALW. In 2013, following the launch of the AU DDR Capacity Program, it was decided that DDR is included in the mandate of the Steering Committee – thereby changing the name to “AU- Regions Standing Committee on SALW and DDR”.