Target route for small arms trafficking

The geographical location of Malawi has threatened the country’s peace and stability as evidenced by the proliferation of small firearms from its troubled neighbouring countries. And according to Malawian deputy Home Affairs of Malawi, Symon Vuwa Kaunda, this is the reason why the country has become a target route for small firearms trafficking and small firearms related crimes.

Mr Kaunda delivered the speech during the commemoration of the global week against gun violence in the Malawian capital, Lilongwe on Friday.

He said asylum seekers and illegal immigrants from the war torn countries of the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa enter Malawi with guns and ammunition. The deputy Minister said the illegal possession of firearms was the major cause of recent gun violence and gun related crimes in the country.

"The proliferation of small arms and ammunition fuelled both civil and regional conflicts," he said, explaining how violence and organised crimes have undermine on social and economic development as well as breed insecurity and fear.

Besides, the trend was responsible for the gross violations of human rights and the international humanitarian law.

"A country that is free from gun violence and crime is a prerequisite to social and economic development,” he said, urging the Malawian police to devise workable programmes and activities geared towards ensuring small arms and light weapons issues are adequately dealt with.

The Commissioner of Malawian Police, Lotti Dzonzi, assured his department’s readiness to promote awareness and involvement in programmes in a bid to removing weapons from the society. He said his office will also do all it can to win the fight against culture of violence which has already showed its ugly face in some Malawian societies.

"As a police force, we will come up with public education and awareness programmes to enhance public involvement and support for efforts to tackle firearms proliferation and illicit trafficking before they take root," he said.