Benin
For many years, Benin has been experiencing violent events, organised crime, road blockage, and illegal exploitation of the sea. The instability and emerging security threats, such as terrorism and religious radicalism have increased after the governmental change in 2016.[1] As a response to the situation, the authorities in Benin implemented weapon seizure programmes aiming at the reduction of the number of illicit firearms in circulation. Furthermore, Benin has signed and ratified the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the UN Firearms Protocol.[2]
Currently, the project on disposal of surplus ammunition and training is being implemented in Benin. In 2022, a national weapons and ammunition management baseline assessment was conducted in cooperation with UNIDIR.[3]
[1] Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (2020, January 1): Case Study – the Creation of a Republican Police in Benin. https://issat.dcaf.ch/download/151674/3141528/Fusion%20Police-Gendarmerie%20-%20ENGLISH.pdf
[2] Alpers, Philip and Michael Picard (2022): Benin – Gun Facts, Figures and the Law. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney. GunPolicy.org. https://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/benin
[3] GICHD (2022): Ammunition Management Activity Platform. https://global.imsma.org/dashboards
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Further information
Accidental explosions
Since the beginning of data collection in 1979 by the Small Arms Survey, no accidental explosions were reported in Benin.
Source: Small Arms Survey (December 2021): Unplanned Explosions at Munitions Sites (UEMS). Database. https://smallarmssurvey.org/database/unplanned-explosions-munitions-sites-uems
Cases of diversion
Insufficient information on cases of diversion in Benin.
Disposal
Insufficient information on the disposal of ammunition in Benin.
Needs
To further enhance safe and secure ammunition management, the following needs have been identified for Benin:
- Technical and financial assistance for the construction of modern and secure arms stores;
- Capacity development for the destruction of surplus stockpiles, in particular – acquisition of weapons cutting and destruction machines, and training of personnel.
Source: PoA Report 2022, Benin. https://unoda-poa.s3.amazonaws.com/reports/BEN-French-1228-SUBMITTED.pdf
