Small Arms Proliferation and Conflict in West Africa

In a grip of widespread anarchy, where assault rifles are now easily available in abundance, has encouraged a habitual recourse to violence that threatens the cohesion and wellbeing of many societies in West Africa and Nigeria in general. The rising tide of small arms poses a serious threat to human communities. The proliferation of small arms impedes development and intensifies intra-state armed conflicts. The presence of SALW creates an atmosphere of fear that affects the resumption of normal economic activity and everyday life and inhibited access to basic services and key infrastructures. In Nigeria, the culture of impunity and the easy availability of small arms diminish people¿s capacity to be open and tolerant with each other thereby undermine the rule of law and spawns a culture of violence.