Opening of the First Continental Meeting of African Experts on Small Arms and Light Weapons

"The excessive and uncontrolled accumulation and circulation of small arms and light weapons has become a threat to peace processes and human security alike. This phenomenon knows no borders and affects the developed as well as developing communities. In crisis, in political transitions and in post-conflict reconstruction processes, the unaccounted, excessive and uncontrolled availability and movement of small arms and ammunition fuels violent alternatives to conflict resolution and creates real obstacles to peaceful economic and social development." - Dr. Salim, May 17, 2000