Regional Center on Small Arms

CG Felix Namuhoranye, Inspector General of Police, Rwanda and Chairperson of the RECSA Technical Advisory Committee, emphasized the need for stronger coordination and sustained cross-border action to address the continued threat of illicit small arms. #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE

Cross Smith acknowledged progress in strengthening small arms control across the region, while noting the need for coordinated responses to emerging threats, including new technologies and transnational trafficking. #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE @UKinKenya

RECSA today launched the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, highlighting two decades of progress in strengthening small arms control across the region. Under the theme “Renewing Regional Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Commitment,” the report outlines key priorities to address emerging threats and reinforce regional cooperation. @UKinKenya @UNIDIR @RwandaInterior @RwandaInKenya @interior #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity

Jean Pierre Betindji noted that while significant progress has been made over the past two decades, emerging threats require continuous adaptation, innovation, and strengthened regional partnerships. #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity @RwandaInterior @Rwandapolice @InteriorKE

Chief Guest Dr. Raymond Omollo, PS, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, emphasized the need for stronger national systems, effective border management, and enhanced accountability in translating commitments into safer communities. @ray_omollo @InteriorKE #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity

RECSA today launched the Regional Assessment Report on the Implementation of the Nairobi Protocol, highlighting two decades of progress in strengthening small arms control across the region. Under the theme “Renewing Regional Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Commitment,” the report outlines key priorities to address emerging threats and reinforce regional cooperation. @UKinKenya @UNIDIR #NairobiProtocol #SALW #PeaceAndSecurity

RECSA is honoured participate in the UNPDF SALW project Launch convening in Kampala from 10–13 February 2026. This initiative seeks to advance disarmament policy dialogue across Africa and strengthen the capacities of States in the Great Lakes region in weapons and ammunition management within DDR contexts. RECSA joins Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda in this collective endeavour, and extends its profound appreciation to @OSESG_GL and all partner organizations for their exemplary collaboration and steadfast support. #SALW #WAM #DDR

🚀 Today, RECSA Executive Secretary Mr. Jean Pierre Betindji held a strategic bilateral meeting with @odaunrec Deputy Director Mr. Jiaming Miao to deepen cooperation on arms control in the RECSA region. The meeting reaffirmed the strong RECSA–UNREC partnership, with discussions focusing on strategic cooperation and the ongoing revision of the Nairobi Protocol to integrate emerging trends in arms control

RECSA appreciates the opportunity to participate in the @UNIDIR conference "Inside the Networks: How Knowledge Transfer Drives Improvised Weapons Production." RECSA Member States are taking decisive action, as reflected in the proposed amendments to the #NairobiProtocol, which aim to broaden its scope to address emerging threats including drones, 3D-printed weapons, IEDs and ammunition and to strengthen cross-border cooperation. We underscore that disrupting these networks requires a whole-of-society approach -governments, civil society, research & private sector must collaborate.

RECSA’s mandate to strengthen arms control aligns with the @IntlCrimCourt pursuit of justice and accountability. This nexus reinforces shared priorities for peace, protection of communities and long-term stability

The RECSA Secretariat hosted Mr. Dohotie Coulibaly, Political Adviser to the @UN Great Lakes Special Envoy and Ms. Xinyue Cao, Project Manager for SALW in DDR. The delegation discussed the launch of a pilot project in January 2026. RECSA Secretariat is honored to be designated as an implementing partner by the Office of the Special Envoy. We will support the project’s action plan, developed with input from five beneficiary countries: Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. We look forward to the next steps, including an introductory meeting with National Focal Points and remain committed to advancing small arms control in the Great Lakes region.

At #INTERPOLGA93 in Marrakech, RECSA is strengthening partnerships for the implementation of the Nairobi Protocol for the Prevention, Control and Reduction of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the RECSA region. Productive meetings with delegations from Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi and Congo focused on collaborative strategies for SALW control in our region. Grateful to INTERPOL for the invitation to foster mutual assistance. #SecurityCooperation #SALW

Kenya is fully committed and the Nairobi Protocol stands both as a legal framework and a shared vision of our collective aspiration for peace, security, stability, human dignity, social cohesion and sustainable development across our borders. It continues to serve as a foundational tool for the elimination of illicit small arms and light weapons.

RECSA appreciates the keynote address by @ray_omollo Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security & National Administration. He affirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to the Nairobi Protocol, highlighting two decades of regional progress in legislation, stockpile management and cross-border cooperation, while calling for renewed, coordinated action to tackle evolving security threats. Kenya continues to enhance its intelligence, community partnerships and disarmament efforts, including recent directives to curb the illegal possession of firearms in the North Rift. “If we truly want to rid our region of illicit small arms... we can do it — and we can no longer make excuses.” - Kenya's Principal Secretary State Department for Internal Security & National Administration @ray_omollo. A resolute keynote setting the tone for the #NairobiProtocol review. Kenya leads by example with the ongoing amnesty window.

Today at the Stakeholders Conference in Nairobi, RECSA's Executive Secretary, Mr. Jean Pierre Betindi, set a tone for reviewing & strengthening the #NairobiProtocol. Highlighting 20 years of progress, he called for sustained technical support, investment in data & reliable resources to build a safer region, free from illicit arms. We thank all member states & partners for their commitment to this shared cause.