WANEP GAMBIA

Highlights of Activities

Small Arms and Light Weapons: In 2005, WANEP Gambia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CECI and OXFAM to serve as a focal point in the implementation of the sub-regional small arms and light weapons pilot project involving four countries Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry and the Gambia. WANEP Gambia is the only CSO that is directly working on SALW in the Gambia. WANEP Gambia is spearheading the “Control Arms Campaign” in The Gambia with activities ranging from sensitization and lobbying and urging the government to sign the draft convention in the next meeting of ECOWAS Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Niger. The project will be run over two years and is being jointly implemented by WANEP Gambia and the National Commission of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Capacity building training: WANEP Gambia conducted two trainings on small arms. The first was organized in collaboration with CECI/OXFAM for members of the Steering committee and partners. The second training targeted the Basse community. A five-day training of trainers on Gender and Small Arms was also conducted.

Election monitoring: WANEP Gambia will engage in the election slated for 2006. For the first time ever, WANEP Gambia participated in the last elections in September 2005. Four of its members served as local election monitors. WANEP Gambia would like to conduct trainings for local monitors in voter and civic education in preparation for the forthcoming presidential, parliamentary and local elections in 2006 and 2007.

First Annual General Meeting: The network held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in which a three-year strategic plan was adopted together with the constitution.

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