On 17 January 2025, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) published an Analytical Brief entitled “Weapons management challenges in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism in Africa.”
In recent years, the threat of terrorism has significantly increased on the African continent, with terrorist violence becoming more prevalent and concentrated in the region. This publication examines gaps and vulnerabilities in weapons management across the continent, which have exacerbated the threat of terrorism.
The Analytical Brief draws on key findings from CTED’s assessment visits to African States, conducted on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, as well as United Nations data, open sources, dialogue with Member States, technical assistance facilitation processes and the electronic Detailed Implementation Surveys administered by CTED.
It highlights four main areas: strengthening legal frameworks; stockpile management; conducting weapons and ammunition management baseline assessments; and weapons tracing mechanisms to curtail the illicit flow and misuse of arms by terrorist groups. Focusing on Africa, this Analytical Brief seeks to analyse the complexities unique to the continent in this space and delves into how these challenges intersect with terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts.