The Arms Trade Treaty
On 25–26 June 2015 the African Union (AU) Commission’s Peace and Security Department hosted a senior government officials meeting on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The meeting was typical of the vital behind-the-scenes work done by the AU Commission for which it rarely receives credit, and its purpose was simple: to persuade African countries to sign and ratify the ATT, which entered into force on 24 December 2014.
On 25–26 June 2015 the African Union (AU) Commission’s Peace and Security Department hosted a senior government officials meeting on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The meeting was typical of the vital behind-the-scenes work done by the AU Commission for which it rarely receives credit, and its purpose was simple: to persuade African countries to sign and ratify the ATT, which entered into force on 24 December 2014.
‘The recent entry into force of the Arms Trade Treaty laid the foundations for a global framework of arms transfer controls, including for small arms and light weapons and ammunition,’ said United Nations United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement. ‘A universal ATT, adequately implemented, is critical to removing the tools for armed conflict.’
The widespread availability of small arms, light weapons and ammunition is a global problem |
The widespread availability of small arms, light weapons and ammunition is a global problem, particularly in Africa. The ATT is designed to slow the illicit trade in these weapons; and, as such, its implementation is a pressing peace and security issue for the continent.
So far, 37 African countries have signed the ATT, but only 10 have ratified it. The AU Commission was hoping to improve these numbers by helping member states to understand the envisioned role of the ATT in regulating the international trade in conventional arms; explaining the relationship between the ATT and existing international policy; and outlining exactly what costs and obligations member states would incur as a result of ratification. It also wanted to prepare member states for the upcoming First Conference of States Parties, to be held this August in Cancun, Mexico, and provided attendees with detailed lists of costs and procedures.
Key states absent
In his opening address, the head of the Peace and Security Secretariat, Admore Kambudzi, welcomed attendees. ‘The illicit arms trade has devastating consequences, especially here in Africa. Your presence here today is further evidence of your support and commitment to this mechanism,’ he said.
Although the ever-diplomatic Kambudzi is unlikely to have intended them as such, his words served as an admonishment to the large number of absentees, among them several states for whom this should be a pressing issue, such as Algeria, Egypt, Niger and South Sudan. This illustrates a fundamental difficulty for the AU Commission, whose effectiveness often depends on the at-times unpredictable participation of member states.
Nonetheless, according to the Peace and Security Department, the meeting was a success. ‘Regarding ratification by AU member states, a number of those participating in the meeting have confirmed that there are steps being undertaken at the national level towards ratifying or acceding to the ATT. The AU Commission also commends the important work being done by regional economic communities to sensitise and mobilise their member states towards this end,’ said the department in response to questions from the PSC Report.
A framework for responsible arms trade decisions
The department is not blind to the difficulties of implementation, however. ‘There are likely to be a range of challenges. First there is the political challenge. Some states may be unwilling to implement the treaty, because they may believe it infringes on their sovereign right to conduct legal trade in conventional arms. Other states might be simply unable to implement the ATT due to poor implementation and oversight mechanism at the national level that could lead to the diversion of weapons.
 The AU Commission recognises that it has an important role in fostering enhanced understanding of these instruments |
‘In any case, however, the ATT provides an ideal framework for dealing with these challenges. The continued scrutiny of international conventional arms trade activities within the framework of the ATT will certainly have an important and positive impact on the development of norms and responsible arms trade decisions.’
The meeting on the ATT is part of a raft of measures undertaken by the AU Commission to help member states understand and implement various international obligations and commitments. This is an important service on a continent where member states do not always have the capacity to engage effectively on these issues by themselves.
‘Peace and security, and particularly arms control, can only be addressed effectively through continuous dialogue and deliberation that takes into account new developments and realities,’ said the Peace and Security Department.
‘The AU Commission recognises that it has an important role in fostering enhanced understanding of these instruments, how they contribute to regional and international peace and security to enable member states make informed decisions. Through such meetings the AU Commission also aims to provide a platform for mobilising support and assistance to member states’ efforts by engaging international donors and partners.
‘For example, the AU Commission continues to be engaged on the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, and other weapons of mass destruction related treaties, such as the Treaty of Pelindaba, the Chemical Weapons Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). This is in addition to the regional and international instruments on counter-terrorism.’
