Embargoes and sanctions on West African States
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-08)

Information on embargoes on West African States and how to apply for an export licence.

Introduction

This guide contains information about embargoes and sanctions on West African States, and provides information for exporters.

You can find more general information here on current trade sanctions, including arms embargoes and other restrictions (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/current-arms-embargoes-and-other-restrictions).

The export of military items to West African States is controlled as a result of UK export control policy and legislation and the agreement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) (https://ecowas.int/).

The ECOWAS member states adopted the convention in 2006.

This guide outlines background information on West African States and relevant information about exporting military items into this region. You will also find information on the licences that are required for exporting military items and how to apply for an export licence which is issued by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/export-control-organisation).

There is also related information on the arms embargoes that are in force for 3 of the member states – Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Liberia and Sierra Leone. These 3 countries have separate United Nations and European Union arms embargoes imposed upon them, all of which are recognised by UK export control and sanctions legislation.

Background information on ECOWAS and the convention

Founded in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional group of 15 countries whose mission is to promote economic integration in all fields of economic activity.

The countries include:
- the Republic of Benin
- the Republic of Burkina Faso
- the Republic of Cape Verde
- the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
- the Republic of Gambia
- the Republic of Ghana
- the Republic of Guinea
- the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
- the Republic of Liberia
- the Republic of Mali
- the Republic of Niger
- the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- the Republic of Senegal
- the Republic of Sierra Leone
- Togolese Republic
For many years, there has been a problem with the uncontrolled proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the ECOWAS member states.

In 1998, ECOWAS defined and adopted a regional document – the Moratorium on Transfers and Manufacture of SALW. The fundamental principle of this document was to preserve human security and reduce armed violence.

Programme for Coordination and Assistance on Security and Development in Africa (PCASED) helped put the moratorium into action and launched several national initiatives, including the creation of a national Small Arms Commissions.

It was decided that the moratorium should be transformed into a legally binding instrument. This instrument was the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their ammunition and other related materials, adopted on 14 June 2006.

The convention has several objectives, 3 of which are:
- the control of SALW
- to prevent build-up of SALW
- to promote trust between member states
Until the convention is fully accepted by all member states, the moratorium will continue to apply. Also – at the same time as the convention – PCASED was replaced by the ECOWAS small arms program (ECOSAP). The mission of ECOSAP is to build the power of member states and the ECOWAS Commission.

Contact details of the ECOWAS Commission

Contact the ECOWAS Commission at:

ECOWAS Commission101 Yakubu Gowan CrescentAsokoro DistrictPMB 401AbujaNigeria

You can also email ECOWAS at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Arms controls and embargoes on West African States

With the introduction of the Moratorium and the ongoing agreement of the convention, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) agreed to ban small arms and light weapons (SALW), ammunition and other related materials from being:
- imported
- exported
- transferred to mercenaries, armed militia, rebel groups and private security companies
- possessed, used and sold by civilians
An effective import and export system for SALW – including licensing – was also adopted by ECOWAS member states. National computerised registers and databases are used to aid transparency and the exchange of information, including sub-regional areas.

ECOWAS member states also strengthened their lines of communication and co-operation with arms manufacturers and suppliers.

Exemptions

There are exemptions to the controls – including national authority legislation for possession of SALW by civilians. ECOWAS member states and foreign countries can apply to the ECOWAS Commission Executive Secretariat to import or export SALW for specific reasons, such as:
- national defence and security
- peace support
Arms embargoes

Three countries within ECOWAS are subject to a UN and EU arms embargo.

These countries are:
- Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – see the guide on the arms embargo on Ivory Coast (https://www.gov.uk/arms-embargo-on-ivory-coast)
- Liberia – see the guide on the arms embargo on Liberia (https://www.gov.uk/arms-embargo-on-liberia)
- Sierra Leone – see the guide on the arms embargo on Sierra Leone (https://www.gov.uk/arms-embargo-on-sierra-leone)
The embargo is a ban on exports of arms and related material to these 3 countries. The UK has introduced legislation to support these embargoes. There are also travel bans on all 3 countries and an assets freeze on Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Liberia.

UK government policy on West African export licence applications

It is important that your business follows the correct procedures for applying for an export licence.

Applying for an export licence in relation to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Moratorium listed goods

Exporters can apply for an export licence for their goods. These might be approved or refused on a case by case basis.

For those items that are specifically listed by the ECOWAS Moratorium (see the following), export licence applications are assessed by the ECJU in relation to:
- the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-12-08/hcws449)
- the provisions for the ECOWAS Moratorium and Code of Conduct, when considering specific applications relating to ECOWAS member states and the goods concerned
An export licence for small arms and light weapons (SALW), components or ammunition will not be issued unless the ECOWAS Commission has issued an exception to the moratorium. To apply for the commission’s confirmation that the exception is agreed, the relevant authorities in the ECOWAS Member State must apply to the ECOWAS Commission.

Table of technical specifications for SALW covered by the ECOWAS Moratorium

Table of small arms category descriptions

Making a licence application

You can apply for an export licence using SPIRE (https://www.spire.trade.gov.uk/spire/fox/espire/LOGIN/login)

For details on different export licences available see the guidance on using SPIRE to get an export licence (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spire-online-export-licensing-guidance/using-spire-to-get-an-export-licence#types-of-licences).

As with all other export licence applications made to ECJU, you should be aware of your responsibilities as an exporter and meet all the terms and conditions of your licence.

When you make your application online, you should ensure that you attach the appropriate extra supporting documentation. The exact information needed depends on the application made.

UK exporters in possession of an order from an end-user in an ECOWAS country

If you receive an export order for SALW from an end-user in one of the ECOWAS member states, you must have proof from the ECOWAS Commission that no other member state objects to this importation.

A copy of the ECOWAS Commission’s confirmation must be provided, along with a completed end-user and stockist undertaking (EUSU) form (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/end-user-undertaking-euu-form) and the export licence application.

To apply for the confirmation, the relevant authorities in the ECOWAS member state must apply to the ECOWAS Commission based in Abuja, Nigeria.

For more details on EUSU form requirements, see the standard individual export licence (SIEL) guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/standard-individual-export-licences) and open individual export licence (OIEL) guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-individual-export-licence-oiel).

UK exporters in possession of an order from an individual resident of an ECOWAS member country

The ECOWAS Moratorium includes strict provisions for controlling and regulating the possession, use and sale of SALW by individuals.

Where an order is from an individual, your export application made via SPIRE should include a copy of the ECOWAS Commission’s approval and a completed EUSU form.

For instance, if you receive an export order for SALW from residents of an ECOWAS member state – for the purpose of hunting or sport – the application must be accompanied by appropriate documentation.

These types of applications are processed within the ECOWAS countries by the relevant national commission and then sent to the ECOWAS Commission for approval. You should provide the EUSU form demonstrating this approval.

As above, you need to apply for an export licence and provide the Commission approval documentation in conjunction with your licence application.

Visitors to a West African (ECOWAS) country

People travelling to and wishing to take SALW physically into any ECOWAS member state must also note that they need to apply in advance to the relevant authorities in the country of destination – in addition to meeting export control requirements in the UK. This includes if you are planning to travel with a SALW on a temporary basis.

All arms must be declared on entry to an ECOWAS member state. You will be issued with an entry and exit certificate on arrival and departure.

Contact ECJU

General queries about strategic export licensing

Export Control Joint UnitDepartment for Business and Trade Old Admiralty Building Admiralty PlaceLondonSW1A 2DY

Email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone xx-xxxx-xxxx