It was able to destroy 2700 light weapons in the process. The aim of the moratorium is to obtain undertakings from African states on the confiscation of illegal stockpiles border controls, the training of security forces, international cooperation, and so on. A coordination and assistance programme to promote security and development, supported by the UNDP, will also be set up. In Southern Africa, efforts are concentrated on improved monitoring of stockpiles and of weapons trafficking. This is being done notably through SADC, and under agreements concluded by South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland.
International cooperation is essential.
In Africa, regional organisations and the OAU need strengthening, and this must involve the implementation of confidence-building measures such as the exchange of information. International institutions should step up their mediation efforts if their aim is indeed to prevent conflicts being settled by force of arms. Not only are new methods needed. Also - and more importantly there must be a political will to act, with greater support given to what is still a hesitant culture of peace. One source of weapons currently in circulation is the huge stock held illegally by civilians or by opposing groups.