1. STRATEGICAL APPROACH TO COUNTER THE RAPID SPREAD OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS IN SOMALIA MR.ABSHIR MOALIN DHIBLAWE THE HIGHER INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES FACULTY OF SECURITY INSTITUTION MANAGEMENT (SIM) MOGADISHU-SOMALIA

2. Strategical Approach to Counter the Rapid Spread of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Somalia

3. Introduction Weapons are a major cause of social unrest in Somalia and indicate a weakening rule of law in the country. It is essential to formulate a theory-based strategic approach and a systematic plan to disarm the growing number of light arms in Somalia before they destroy the social fabric of the nation. The study identifies several critical issues, including the legitimacy of leaders, international intelligence, and global security frameworks that contribute to threats, insecurity, fragility, and instability.

4. Ch1: Background of the Study(1/3) Globally, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a global issue that has significantly evolved over the past century. According to the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (2018), the mass production of small arms began during World War I and II, leading to widespread distribution post-war, fuelling conflicts worldwide. The Cold War further exacerbated the problem, with the United States and the Soviet Union supplying vast quantities of arms to allies and insurgent groups Today, SALW continue to play a key role in most armed conflicts globally (Small Arms Survey, 2015)

5. Ch1: Background of the Study(2/3) In Africa, Africa has been particularly affected by SALW proliferation, experiencing numerous conflicts fuelled by these weapons. The decolonization period saw a surge in armed struggles, with many liberation movements receiving arms from global powers. In Somalia has been in a state of instability since the collapse of the Siad Barre government in 1991, leading to widespread distribution of SALW among various factions (Human Rights Watch, 2010).

6. Ch1: Background of the Study(3/3) International efforts such as UN arms embargoes, enforcement has been challenging due to weak governance (United Nations Security Council, 2012). Terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab have exploited these conditions to sustain their operations (International Crisis Group, 2011). Instability in neighbouring countries, like Yemen, has also contributed to the arms flow into Somalia.

7. Ch1: Problem Statement The rapid spread of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Somalia poses a severe threat to the nation's stability and security. Despite various measures, the proliferation of SALW remains unchecked, driven by factors such as weak governance, porous borders, and corruption. Local disarmament initiatives and regional cooperation agreements have shown mixed effectiveness, with significant challenges arising from the presence of armed groups and insufficient law enforcement capabilities

8. Ch1: Objective Objective 1: Assess perceptions of local community leaders on local disarmament initiatives. Objective 2: Identify and evaluate successful strategies for mitigating SALW proliferation. Objective 3: Propose a comprehensive strategy to counter SALW spread.

9. Ch1: Significance of the Study For Policymakers: Develop more effective strategies for arms control and border management. For Security Agencies: Enhance operational capabilities in monitoring and preventing illicit arms trafficking. For International Organizations: Support and coordinate efforts to strengthen Somalia's capacity to manage borders and control arms proliferation. For Local Communities: Foster a safer environment conducive to development and economic growth.

10. Ch2: Factors Contributing to SALW Spread Weak Governance:Power vacuum post-Siad Barre regime and Breakdown of central authority Porous Borders: Extensive coastline and Smuggling routes: Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden Inadequate Law Enforcement: Poorly trained and equipped security forces and Presence of armed groups and terrorist organizations

11. Ch2:Successful Strategies Sierra Leone:Community engagement in DDR programs and International support and oversight Mozambique: Economic incentives for disarmament and Community-based initiatives El Salvador:Technological solutions for tracking and monitoring arms flow and Legislative reforms and international cooperation

12. Ch3: Methodology Research Design: Mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research. Sample Size: 100 participants Government officials and policymakers (20) Members from international organizations and NGOs (15) Local community leaders and members (30) Security and law enforcement personnel (20) Former combatants and individuals from disarmament programs (15)

13. Ch3: Data Collection Methods Surveys: Structured questionnaires for quantitative data on effectiveness of measures and challenges. Interviews: Semi-structured interviews for qualitative insights into SALW proliferation and control. Focus Groups: Discussions with local community members and former combatants to understand ground realities. Document Analysis: Review of relevant documents, reports, and publications for secondary data.

14. Ch4: Data Analysis -Involvement Duration The majority of respondents (65%) have over three years of experience in SALW control efforts, indicating that our survey results are informed by extensive experience and deep understanding of the issues at hand. This experienced cohort provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of various strategies and the challenges faced in implementation

15. Ch4: Data Analysis - Effectiveness of Local Disarmament Initiatives Figure shows The majority of respondents (60%) find local disarmament initiatives to be effective or very effective, with an additional 30% being neutral. This suggests that while there is a positive perception of these initiatives, there is still room for improvement

16. Ch4: Data Analysis -Main Challenges in Controlling SALW The most significant challenges identified by respondents are the presence of armed groups (70%) and porous borders (65%). This indicates that addressing the influence of armed groups and improving border security are critical areas that need attention to effectively control the spread of small arms and light weapons in Somalia. These challenges surpass others such as weak governance and inadequate law enforcement resources, emphasizing their importance in strategical planning.

17. Ch4 : Data Analysis -Perceived Effectiveness of Various Strategies The three most highly rated strategies for controlling SALW are community engagement (80%), strengthening governance (75%), and enhancing border control (70%). This indicates a strong preference among respondents for involving local communities, improving governance structures, and securing borders to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Somalia. These strategies are perceived as the most effective in addressing the complex challenges of SALW control.

18. Ch4: Findings 1.Diverse Representation: The survey included a diverse set of respondents from different roles, providing a comprehensive understanding of SALW control issues. 2.Experienced Respondents: The majority of respondents have significant experience in SALW control, enhancing the reliability of the insights provided. 3.Challenges Identified: The primary challenges include the influence of armed groups, porous borders, weak governance, and corruption. 4.Effective Strategies: Engaging local communities, strengthening governance, and enhancing border control are identified as the most effective strategies for controlling SALW proliferation. 5.Community Engagement: There is a strong consensus on the importance of community engagement in disarmament efforts.

19. Ch4: Recommendations Based on the findings of our study, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of measures aimed at controlling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Somalia: 1. Engage Local Communities:  Community Involvement: Actively involve local communities in disarmament efforts to ensure cultural sensitivity and widespread acceptance.  Awareness Campaigns: Implement awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of SALW and the benefits of disarmament. 2. Enhance Border Control and Surveillance: Improve border security and surveillance to prevent illegal arms smuggling. 3. International Cooperation:  Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat arms smuggling and improve maritime security.  International Support: Seek international support and resources to aid in the implementation of disarmament initiatives.

20. Ch4: Recommendations(Conti) 4.Implement Comprehensive Disarmament Programs:  DDR Programs: Develop comprehensive Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs based on successful models from other countries such as Sierra Leone and Mozambique.  Economic Incentives: Provide economic incentives for former combatants to surrender their weapons and transition to civilian life. 5.Improve Law Enforcement Capabilities:  Training and Equipment: Invest in training and equipping security forces to enhance their ability to control SALW proliferation.  Operational Coordination: Improve coordination between different law enforcement agencies to ensure a unified approach to arms control.