Small arms trafficking in the Sahel: the role of tri-border towns

This report examines the key demand factors, actors and markets at the core of the illicit proliferation of SALW in the Sahel.

This report examines the key demand factors, actors and markets at the core of the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the Sahel countries of Burkina Faso, Niger and Nigeria. The worsening situation of SALW trafficking, especially at tri-border intersection points, necessitates a coordinated response to effectively control the criminal flow of arms and ammunition.

About the author

Nelson Alusala is a senior research consultant at the Institute for Security Studies, ENACT, focusing on links between arms control, disarmament and transnational organised crime. He previously worked with the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the UN Panel of Experts on Liberia. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of Pretoria. He is currently working as a UN expert in the Caribbean region.

Image: COMPRESS.dsl