MAG CWMD global update October 2009

Source: Mines Advisory Group (MAG)

Date: 31 Oct 2009

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MAG and CWMD – MAG uses the term Conventional Weapons Management and Disposal (CWMD) to more accurately reflect the approach that MAG takes with regard to dealing with the range of munitions it encounters in support of stockpile management, as in many of its projects items outside of the SALW definition are dealt with, such as aircraft bombs, large calibre artillery, mortar ammunition and rockets. The term also reflects the different roles that MAG takes on within this sector, from direct clearance activities and training to Physical Security and Stockpile Management. MAG is currently undertaking CWMD projects in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, Republic of Congo (RoC), Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan.

Burundi

MAG Burundi started in 2007 with a programme to support the government of Burundi in reducing the threat of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and unsecured stockpiles. MAG is currently offering technical support to the Weapons Destruction Workshop and supporting the Burundian Government in implementing the Nairobi Protocol, Articles 6, 7 and 8. The Dutch-funded MAG-Police Nationale Burundaise (PNB) mobile team worked to collect and destroy surplus and obsolete PNB-owned Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), as well as some handed-over by the population during the civilian disarmament campaign. Also this month, the team destroyed the 10,000th hand-grenade since the beginning of the year, an achievement of particular significance given the frequent grenade attacks in Burundi. The Physical Security team, now also funded by the Dutch Government, started to work in the Police Region North where they improved security in 10 PNB armouries. At the weapons destruction workshop, 284 weapons from the PNB were destroyed. It is important to note that the weapons were in a good state, meaning it is the first time that 'surplus' weapons have been destroyed in Burundi. In the past, obsolete, seized and handedover weapons had been destroyed, but no strictly speaking 'surplus' weapons.

Upon request from the National Commission on SALW and Civilian Disarmament (CDCPA), the MAG technicians offered a one-day training to 48 heads of police stations in areas where the collects from the population were estimated to yield the most significant results. The policemen learned how to distinguish very dangerous ammunition, how to receive weapons in safety, and how to deal with them while awaiting MAG's intervention.

Finally, MAG would like to thank the Swiss Government for the confirmation of a grant to conduct the survey of Force de Defense Nationale (FDN) SALW; phase 1 of a comprehensive Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) project with the FDN within the framework of the Nairobi Protocol. The survey will capitalize on the methodology developed during the survey of PNB SALW which took place in 2008. Starting in 2010, donor contributions will be required for the implementation of solutions derived from the survey conclusions.

A summary of outputs is as follows:

Destruction of 284 weapons at the Weapons Destruction Workshop;

- Collection of 349 weapons, 224 magazines, 532 ammunition and 7,548 SAA from the PNB stocks by the MAG-PNB mobile team;

-          Collection of 17 weapons, 16 magazines, 411 ammunition and 1,239 SAA handed-over by the population to the CDCPA by the MAG-PNB mobile team;

-          Destruction of 1,048 ammunition and 20,000 SAA by the MAG-PNB mobile team;

-          - Improvement to the physical security of 10 PNB armouries by the MAG physical security team.