The Borderless Guns That Keep Africa Wounded

by Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu

Africa’s conflicts frequently spill across national borders, fueled by the unchecked movement of small arms and light weapons. An estimated 40 million small arms are currently in circulation across the continent, with about 80 percent believed to be held by civilians, often beyond effective state control. These weapons transform local disputes into devastating regional crises, keeping Africa wounded and its people trapped in cycles of violence.

From the Sahel to the Great Lakes, illegal weapons flow through unmonitored trade routes. In West Africa alone, approximately 10 million small arms are believed to circulate illegally, arming militias and insurgents in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso. In the Great Lakes and Central African regions, particularly in and around the Democratic Republic of Congo, illicit weapons cross borders with Rwanda and Uganda, fueling prolonged conflicts and undermining peace efforts.

The impact of these borderless guns on regional security is profound. According to a 2019 report by Deutsche Welle, up to 80 percent of the weapons used in African conflicts are illicit, often circulating beyond the control of national authorities. This finding aligns with the Weapons Compass report, jointly published by the African Union and the Small Arms Survey, which maps the movement of illicit arms across the continent and exposes the loopholes in border control systems. Artificial borders, often drawn without regard to ethnic or geographic realities, facilitate the movement of smugglers and armed groups who exploit weak border controls to expand their reach.

The consequences are severe. Unregulated arms flows cause ceasefires to fail and peace talks to collapse. Civilians bear the brunt of this violence. The ongoing crisis in the Sahel, where armed groups operate across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, illustrates how unchecked weapons flows intensify instability and trigger humanitarian disasters. The resulting displacement of millions burdens already fragile states struggling to maintain order.

In response, African governments and the African Union have developed frameworks such as the Bamako Declaration, which outlines a continental political commitment against the proliferation of small arms, and regional protocols like the ECOWAS Convention, which legally binds West African states to stricter arms control measures. However, enforcement remains uneven. Limited resources, political challenges, and poor coordination hinder effective border management and weapons control.

Despite these challenges, progress is possible. Technological advances such as satellite surveillance and improved cross-border intelligence sharing have helped reduce some illicit trafficking. Regional initiatives such as the ECOWAS Moratorium on Small Arms and Light Weapons demonstrate political will to address this crisis. Yet much work remains.

Local communities along borders play a vital role in combating illegal arms flows. Their knowledge of terrain and social networks enables early detection of smuggling activities. Supporting these communities with economic development reduces their vulnerability to armed groups who depend on illicit weapons.

Ending the scourge of borderless guns requires a comprehensive approach. Strengthening laws and enforcement, enhancing regional cooperation, leveraging technology, and empowering grassroots actors are essential steps. Without sustained and united action, the proliferation of illicit arms will continue to undermine peace and development.

Creating the Africa we want requires fulfilling  Aspiration 4: A Peaceful and Secure Africa from Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent free from all forms of conflicts and violence, where peace and security prevail.

To turn this vision into reality, all actors, both state and non-state, must join forces in a bold, collective effort to halt the flow of illegal weapons across Africa’s borders. These actors include governments, the African Union, regional economic communities, civil society organizations, local communities, faith-based groups, the private sector, and young people. Only through unified and sustained commitment can Africa close these invisible wounds and build a future rooted in peace, justice, and shared prosperity.