The conference, held on Monday June 3, 2024 at the Muna Foundation, mobilized some thirty participants, including media players, administrations and civil society organizations. The conference included a presentation by CANSA, a reading of the IANSA declaration, a presentation of the role of civil society in the implementation of the POA from June 17 to 27, and questions and answers from journalists.

 

   CANSA, the Cameroon Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons, is a group of civil society organizations involved in the fight against the illicit proliferation of small arms and other weapons.

  – Mission: To work with the State and all other stakeholders to eradicate the proliferation of light weapons and other categories of arms, with a view to creating a fairer and safer society in Cameroon.

  – Objectives: To coordinate the efforts of organizations and associations in the field of security and disarmament, and to promote the establishment and operation of a data and information bank on arms movements in Cameroon.

 

   After this brief introduction by Vice President Solomon Kenne of Ecumenical Peace Service, the floor was given to Armelle Ndongo of WILPF Cameroon to read the IANSA declaration for the 2024 edition of this global week of action against SALW violence.

 

   This was followed by a presentation on the role of civil society in implementing the POA. Eugine Ngalim of CAMYOSFOP and Guy Feugap of World Beyong War led the discussion.

 

   Following these presentations, the media players engaged in a question-and-answer session. Their objective was to gain a better understanding of this week of commemoration and the actions of CANSA, created in Cameroon in 2004. To this end, we were able to note the following impact results:

   – Ban on the import of war toys into Cameroon,

   – MINAT’s closure of certain armouries in some of the country’s towns,

   – Restrictions on obtaining a firearms license,

   – Revision of Law No. 2016/015 of December 14, 2016 on the general regime for arms and ammunition in Cameroon,

   – Ratification in 2015 of the Central African Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunition and all Parts and Components that can be used in their Manufacture, also known as the Kinshasa Convention, and of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2018.

   – The integration of the gender dimension in arms control, and the inclusion of arms control issues in the second-generation national action plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in Cameroon.

  – The implementation of voluntary disarmament programs in several conflict-affected regions, and the organization of awareness campaigns in schools, markets and churches to educate people about the risks of weapons,

   – The development of strategic partnerships and collaboration with international organizations such as the UN to strengthen local capacities and support peace initiatives,

  – Training and capacity-building for more than 500 security agents and members of civil society in arms management and control.

   – The destruction of illicit weapons during the commemoration of Amnesty Month in 2021

 

   In addition to the sports march organized on Saturday 1ᵉʳ June as a prelude to this global week, to the press conference held on the day, online campaigns are planned as well as a webinar to be held on the 14th to continue to remind people of the importance of the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which continue to cause havoc in many communities. Through its actions and commitment, CANSA plays a key role in promoting peace and security in Cameroon.

 

   Join us in this crucial fight, organizations and partners to join us in this crucial fight. Together, we can make a difference and build a safer future for all.