ECOWAS Condemns Illicit Use Of Weapons, Mercenaries

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has expressed concern over what it described as the illicit movement of sophisticated weapons and mercenary fighters across West African borders.

A statement by the commission made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, attributed the development to ongoing crisis in Libya and the recent conflict in Cote d’Ivoire.

The statement said that the situation was worrisome and posed grave danger to the stability of the sub-region, particularly in countries emerging from conflicts and those experiencing internal unrest.

The commission urged member states to be extra-vigilant in monitoring movements across their borders with a view to arresting perpetrators of crime and forestalling acts that could jeopardise the prevailing peace and tranquility in the sub-region.

“The situation also requires the strict implementation of the relevant provisions of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their ammunition and other materials relating to inter-state cooperation and the strengthening of border controls,” it stated.

The commission further appealed to citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious movement, especially of weapons or mercenaries as a means of contributing their quota to safeguarding lives and property within the sub-region.

School children performing at the 2011 Day of the African Child organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare/Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Kevin Nengia.