West Africa supports limiting arms trade

ABUJA, Nigeria, June 18 (UPI) -- More West African nations are supporting efforts for greater restriction of the global arms trade.

The head of the Economic Community of the West African States said that by having an international arms trade treaty, violence in the region could be reduced significantly.

"West Africa has suffered from gun proliferation and misuse for too many years," said ECOWAS president Mohammed Ibn Chambas, adding that the group's 15 member nations should "submit their views on an arms trade treaty to the secretary-general of the United Nations, calling for a strong and effective treaty."

Liberian Deputy Foreign Minister Conmany Wesseh echoed that view, stating, "The principles behind the ECOWAS convention on small arms and the proposed arms trade treaty are very similar -- strongly based on protecting human rights, furthering sustainable development and enhancing regional security. Although not all West African governments have submitted their views on an arms trade treaty yet, there is huge support from governments in the sub-region and they have pledged to ensure that this interest is transformed into positive results."