By Uche Onyeali
West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA, is to partner with Rwanda in the areas of agriculture, skills training and education for young Nigerians, as a means of checking illegal arms proliferation on the continent.
The potential partnership was agreed upon during a visit to the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Christophe Bazivamo, by the leadership of WAANSA in his office in Abuja recently, to mark the beginning of its seven days activities commemorating the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence.
Speaking during the visit, the 1st Regional Vice President of WAANSA, Comrade Martin Igwe said its aim is to strengthen collaboration with Rwanda in the efforts to curb the continent of gun running.
Igwe emphasised the need for information sharing with countries that had experienced conflicts, like Rwanda, as that would help in fashioning out workable means for conflict resolution and peace among the people.
The WAANSA leader used the opportunity to solicit for the support of the Rwandan government and citizens for the official barber of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Joshua Aiyenuro, popularly known as ‘T-Jos,’ who is to embark on a seven-day marathon as world best barber.
According to Igwe, Aiyenuro’s endeavour is significant, as it depicts the resilience of the Nigerian youth which could help in checking violent conflicts if they are adequately engaged.
In his response, Ambassador Bazivamo, who welcomed the delegation with praises on WAANSA’s engagement for a peaceful Africa, noted that one of the most viable strategies that could be used to curb gun violence is women and youth empowerment.
Ambassador Bazivamo, who observed that empowering a woman is tantamount to empowering the family, community and country, emphasised the need to expand the space to accommodate women participation in decision-making, citing Rwanda as an example where women are highly involved in both the Executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government.
The ambassador stressed the importance of skills acquisition both for agriculture and industrialisation to quell small arms proliferation.
He further emphasised the critical role of inclusive dialogue, regional cooperation, and proactive youth engagement as fundamental strategies for fostering peace and stability worldwide.
He referenced Rwanda’s journey, illustrating how the nation has navigated and overcome divisionism to forge a shared national identity.
The ambassador also highlighted the interconnectedness between divisionism, internal displacement, and heightened vulnerabilities, including the increased risk of youth recruitment into insurgency and terrorism, all while drawing from universal principles and shared experiences.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Bazivamo affirmed the Rwandan government’s readiness to partner with WAANSA on experience sharing to help it achieve its vital goal of engendering peace and eliminating gun violence in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
