The Bamako commune V has initiated a campaign to encourage the voluntary deposit of light and small caliber weapons. This effort, led by the Secrétariat permanent de lutte contre la prolifération des armes légères et de petit calibre (SP-CNLALPC) in collaboration with the commune V's Mairie, aims to raise awareness among communities about the consequences of weapon proliferation. The campaign's launch event took place at a local football field, presided over by commune V's mayor, Amadou Ouattara.

The proliferation of light and small caliber weapons in Mali has contributed significantly to violence across the country, affecting all regions, communes, and populations. In response, the SP-CNLALPC has organized a series of awareness campaigns in Bamako to encourage communities to voluntarily deposit these weapons. The campaign targets various socio-professional groups, including hunters and youth, to educate them on the negative impacts of weapon possession.

During the launch event, Colonel Adama Diarra, secretary permanent of SP-CNLALPC, emphasized that weapons and violence have never resolved problems. He stated that the campaign's objective is to lay the groundwork for lasting peace in Mali. Colonel Diarra called for the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure the campaign's success, stressing the need for collective action to eradicate violence and division.

Amadou Ouattara, mayor of commune V, highlighted that the issue of weapons concerns all citizens. He noted that illicit possession of weapons can exacerbate conflicts, community violence, crime, and insecurity. The mayor encouraged citizens to view the voluntary deposit of weapons as a positive step towards peace, security, and population protection.

The campaign's launch event brought together various groups, including hunters, youth associations, traditional and customary leaders, and women's associations. The deposit of weapons can be made at the SP-CNLALPC cell located at the commune V's Mairie. The mayor expressed his commitment to the campaign's success and invited all communities to participate.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the proliferation of light and small caliber weapons in Mali. The country has been working to address the issue through various programs and campaigns aimed at reducing violence and promoting peace. The voluntary deposit campaign is expected to contribute to these efforts by encouraging communities to take an active role in promoting security.

The campaign's success will depend on the involvement of all stakeholders, including communities, local authorities, and security agencies. By working together, Mali can make progress in reducing the proliferation of light and small caliber weapons and promoting a culture of peace and security.

Key points

  • The Bamako commune V has launched a campaign to encourage the voluntary deposit of light and small caliber weapons to promote peace and security.
  • The campaign aims to raise awareness among communities about the consequences of weapon proliferation and encourage them to deposit their weapons voluntarily.
  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the proliferation of light and small caliber weapons in Mali and promote a culture of peace and security.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.