The Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Great Lakes Region, the Horn of Africa and Bordering States (RECSA) concluded its week-long high-level meeting on Friday at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, marking two decades since its establishment in 2005.
The event culminated in a significant leadership transition as Rwanda officially assumed the chairmanship of RECSA. Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, formally handed over the RECSA flag and instruments of establishment to his Rwandan counterpart, underscoring a renewed regional commitment to tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the continent.
Kenya, which continues to host the RECSA Secretariat, reiterated its unwavering support to the institution. Speaking at the event, CS Murkomen called for the unified endorsement of all member states, emphasizing that Kenya’s strategic position will help champion Africa’s peace and security agenda on global platforms.“As a host nation, Kenya remains committed to supporting RECSA’s mission. We call on all member states to stand with us as we present our collective voice and priorities internationally,” said Murkomen.
Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, reaffirmed Kenya’s advocacy for a robust RECSA. He emphasized the importance of sustainable financing and leveraging advanced technology to enhance the Centre’s operational effectiveness in curbing the illicit flow of arms.“RECSA remains a vital Pan-African institution. For it to effectively safeguard our region’s peace and security, we must invest in its capacity financially and technologically,” Dr. Omollo said.
The event also served as a diplomatic platform as Kenya officially presented the candidature of Mr. Mohammed Amin, Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), for election to the INTERPOL Executive Committee.
RECSA brings together 15 member states and plays a critical role in regional disarmament, arms control, and policy coordination to address the threats posed by small arms and light weapons in the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.
