Abstract
This chapter explores in detail the implications of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on conflict dynamics, economic and regional integration in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The African Union (AU) came up with a 2020 Vision to Silence the Gun in Africa mooted under the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in 2015. It was meant to promote peace and security and accelerate peace initiatives at all levels of society. However, the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) continues to redefine conflict and regional stability in Southern Africa and the consequences are far-reaching as they affect development and human rights in the region. The illicit trade in SALW has exacerbated conflicts in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique and gun crimes in countries like South Africa. These conflict dynamics being caused by proliferation of SALW have direct negative implications on regional peace, stability and integration. The chapter finds out that in Southern Africa there are no accurate statistics of SALW due to illicit trade in arms in Africa which in turn derails regional efforts to deal with violent conflicts. As a result of uncontrolled SALW, it has resulted in internal displacement, human trafficking, and illicit financial flows, increased conflicts and regional instability. In addition, lack of transparency in arms trade and porous borders has led to an increase in conflicts in resource rich countries like DRC and Mozambique. The proliferation of SALW affects smooth trade and free movement of people as can be shown in Northern Mozambique that borders Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania. In addition, SALW proliferation increase human trafficking and compromised border management. As a result, regional efforts to deal with conflicts are under severe stress in Southern Africa. Despite efforts to deal with SALW at a regional level using the Southern African Regional Police Chief’s Cooperation Organisation SARPCO, this study recommends a comprehensive programme that will bring all Heads of States under SADC Organ on Peace and Security (OPC) to put resources towards enforcement of illicit trade in SALW and also cooperate using joint border surveillance and integrated border management systems. In addition, the National and Regional Commissions on Combatting SALW could be established to prevent illicit deals on small arms and lights weapons and ensure that the SADC community can gainfully participate in the continent-wide free trade.
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Machakanja, P., Manuel, C.S. (2021). Southern Africa: Regional Dynamics of Conflict and the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons. In: Tar, U.A., Onwurah, C.P. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Small Arms and Conflicts in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62183-4_46
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