Ngomat Calls on African Countries to Domesticate Arms Trade Treaty

By Own Correspondent

Geneva — Gabonese Diplomat and African Peace and Security Union (APSU) Chairperson, Roll Stéphane Ngomat, has called on African countries to sign, ratify and domesticate the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) as part of efforts to curb the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Ngomat made the call during the 12th Conference of States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (CSP12), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from August 24 to 28, 2026.

The high-level conference brought together diplomats and representatives of States Parties, which are countries that have ratified or formally acceded to the treaty, to discuss challenges associated with armed conflict, illicit arms trafficking and the unregulated movement of weapons and ammunition.

Addressing the conference, Ngomat urged African States to incorporate the provisions of the ATT into their national legislation and strengthen coordinated efforts involving governments, the private sector and the international community.

“It is urgent that States Parties fully embrace the Arms Trade Treaty, assume responsibility for it, and dedicate the necessary financial resources for its effective implementation.

“States Parties without national action plans for the Treaty should adopt them promptly, while those that already have them should implement them without delay and in good faith," he said.

Ngomat further stated that implementation of the treaty should be treated as a national priority and reflected in countries’ legal frameworks, policies, programmes and budgets.

The ATT is an international treaty regulating the international trade in conventional arms, with the objective of establishing common standards for arms transfers and preventing the illicit trade and diversion of weapons.

The Geneva Conference on States Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty (CSP12).

Ngomat said the illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons continued to fuel armed violence, terrorism and organised crime in several parts of the world.

“The illicit trade and misuse of small arms and light weapons fuels armed violence, terrorism and organised crime therefore sustaining conflict, terrorism and criminal networks across multiple regions,” he said.

He said weapons diverted from national stockpiles or elsewhere along the supply chain often ended up in the hands of non-State armed groups.

Ngomat also highlighted the broader humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts, including deaths, injuries, displacement, destruction of infrastructure and increased risks of disease transmission.

“The major complications of conflicts are seen in the high rate of deaths, injury and population displacement.

"Armed conflicts affect health: they entail violence, displacement, infrastructure damage, social disruption and heightened risk of disease transmission,” he said.

He called for stronger international coordination to address illicit arms flows, particularly in regions affected by prolonged conflict and insecurity.

According to Ngomat, the effects of armed conflicts extend beyond the immediate period of fighting, creating long-term social, economic and humanitarian challenges for affected populations.

He said addressing these consequences required a better understanding of the wider impact of conflicts and stronger measures to prevent the diversion and trafficking of conventional weapons.

The conference comes amid continuing international concern over the trafficking of small arms and light weapons, which remain a major contributor to armed violence and organised crime.

The Arms Trade Treaty entered into force on December 24, 2014.

Figures cited in the conference material, the treaty has 118 States Parties, while 25 other countries have signed but have not yet ratified it.

Ngomat has advocated for peace and security in conflict-affected areas including Sudan, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes region, the Central African Republic and the Horn of Africa.

He has also worked on initiatives focused on strengthening regional cooperation, governance, youth leadership and sustainable development, working with governments, continental institutions, civil society organisations and international partners.

He said effective implementation of the treaty would require States Parties to move beyond commitments at international level and translate them into concrete national measures.