Regional Center on Small Arms

RECSA is an intergovernmental organization mandated to coordinate the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol across its 15 Member States

[IANSA @IANSAnetwork]

Today at #BMS9, we will hear statements by international and regional organizations, followed by non-governmental organizations and civil society. #ActiveCivilSociety #SALW #UNPoA
Tune in via UN Web TV: https://t.co/ynM81XdS6v

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

At #BMS9, #RECSA Executive Secretary delivered a statement underscoring both progress and persistent challenges in the fight against illicit small arms and light weapons.
Key achievements highlighted:
🔹Launch of the RECSA Regional Scorecard – an evidence‑based tool to measure implementation of 🔹the Nairobi Protocol, identify gaps and strengthen accountability
🔹Adoption of a regional roadmap to guide effective, coordinated and results‑oriented action on the Protocol
🔹Ongoing review of the Nairobi Protocol itself, ensuring it remains responsive to emerging threats

These milestones reflect the continued commitment of RECSA Member States to strengthen legislative frameworks, marking and record‑keeping, stockpile management and cross‑border cooperation.

Despite progress, the threat landscape is evolving rapidly. RECSA therefore calls on States and partners to enhance support for sustainable capacity‑building in marking, tracing, record‑keeping, stockpile management and destruction of surplus firearms

As RECSA Executive Secretary Mr. Jean‑Pierre Betindji emphasized, "Such cooperation remains essential if we are to collectively prevent diversion, combat illicit trafficking and sustain peace and security in our region and beyond"
#UNPoA #SmallArmsControl #BMS9 #RECSA #InternationalCooperation #NairobiProtocol

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

🚨At #BMS9 on the #UNPoA, RECSA joins Member States in advancing concerted action against the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons. Kenya underscored its progress in strengthening legislation, enhancing border controls, investing in community programs and improving reporting & transparency. 🇰🇪 further renewed commitment to the principles of multilateralism and collective responsibility. #SALW #NairobiProtocol

[Rwanda National Police @Rwandapolice]

Today,

The Minister of Interior, Dr Vincent Biruta, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Regional Centre on Small Arms Council of Ministers, officiated at the opening of the 17th Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting in Kigali. The meeting brought together Police Chiefs, Permanent Secretaries, and National Focal Point Coordinators on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) from RECSA Member States.

In his remarks, Dr Biruta underscored the need to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing the persistent illicit flow of small arms and the evolving security threats across the region.

Emphasizing the indispensable role of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (@recsasec ) in advancing peace and security, he called on Member States to reinforce political, technical, and financial support in order to sustain collective action under the Nairobi Declaration and the Nairobi Protocol.

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

🌍 At our 17th Technical Advisory Committee Meeting in Kigali, we welcomed @theGICHD -AMAT to present on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management (GFA) — a key step toward stronger regional preparedness ahead of the 2027 Meeting of States. #RECSA #AmmunitionManagement #SALW

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

🌍 Kigali | #RECSA17thTAC

A standout moment at today's Technical Advisory Committee Meeting — @conflictarm Conflict Armament Research (CAR) presentation on Conventional Ammunition & tracing of illicit weapons and ammunition, reinforcing the law-enforcement perspectives that guide our collective response under the #NairobiProtocol.

Operational expertise shaping regional policy. 💡

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

🚨 LIVE from Kigali – The 1st Session of the RECSA 17th TAC Meeting is officially open!

In his remarks, Jean Pierre Betindji, the RECSA Executive Secretary underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the persistent problem of illicit small arms. As the RECSA region reflects on progress under the current Strategic Plan and prepares for the next phase, Member States were encouraged to strengthen collaboration and advance practical solutions through the spirit of the #NairobiProtocol.
“ _Through unity of purpose in the true spirit of the Nairobi Protocol, we can turn shared challenges into opportunities for greater cooperation and impact.”_

[Rwanda National Police @Rwandapolice]

Today,

The Inspector General of the Rwanda National Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, as Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), officially opened the 17th TAC Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, which brought together National Focal Point Coordinators on Small Arms and Light Weapons from @recsasec Member States.

The meeting provides an important platform for Member States to review progress, strengthen regional cooperation, and deliberate on key policy and strategic issues related to the prevention and control of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.

CG Felix Namuhoranye emphasised the need to strengthen regional cooperation, information sharing, joint operations, and harmonisation of legislation to address emerging security threats effectively, including cyber-enabled arms trafficking, weapons manufacturing, 3D-printed firearms, and the misuse of unmanned systems.

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

https://t.co/oZLkcdl9l4

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

CG Felix Namuhoranye, Inspector General of Police, Rwanda and Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, emphasized the need for stronger coordination and sustained cross-border action to address the continued threat of illicit small arms.

#NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

Cross Smith acknowledged progress in strengthening small arms control across the region, while noting the need for coordinated responses to emerging threats, including new technologies and transnational trafficking.

#NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE @UKinKenya

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

RECSA today launched the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, highlighting two decades of progress in strengthening small arms control across the region. Under the theme “Renewing Regional Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Commitment,” the report outlines key priorities to address emerging threats and reinforce regional cooperation.
@UKinKenya
@UNIDIR @RwandaInterior @RwandaInKenya @interior

#NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

Jean Pierre Betindji noted that while significant progress has been made over the past two decades, emerging threats require continuous adaptation, innovation, and strengthened regional partnerships.

#NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE

[Regional Center on Small Arms @recsasec]

Chief Guest Dr. Raymond Omollo, PS, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, emphasized the need for stronger national systems, effective border management, and enhanced accountability in translating commitments into safer communities. @ray_omollo @InteriorKE

#NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity