Small Arms in Southern Africa: Reflections on the Extent of the Problem and its Management Potential

This research paper by Virginia Gamba of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) argues for a shift in the global arms control and disarmament agenda to prioritize human security and the control of small arms and light weapons, particularly in Africa. Using the centenary of the 1899 Hague Peace Conference as a framework, the author contends that traditional disarmament strategies focused on weapons of mass destruction have ignored the 'micro-tragedy' of conventional weapon proliferation in the developing world. The document advocates for a 'people-centred approach to security' that combines arms control with educational and development components to address the root causes of violence in Southern Africa.

• The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) asserts that effective arms control and disarmament regarding small arms and light weapons must be integrated with educational and development initiatives to create alternatives to armed conflict resolution.
• The author argues that the 1899 Hague Peace Conference's humanitarian ideals were undermined in the 20th century because national interests manipulated its principles, leading to a focus on nuclear deterrence and weapons of mass destruction while neglecting the needs of Africa and the developing world.
• The document identifies a critical need for a 'micro-disarmament' agenda, noting that in Africa, small arms and light weapons have been as lethal as weapons of mass destruction.
• The author posits that achieving peace and disarmament in Africa requires a transition from a culture of violence to a culture of peace, grounded in the individual acceptance of non-violence.

APA

Gamba, V. (n.d.). Small Arms in Southern Africa: Reflections on the Extent of the Problem and its Management Potential. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.org/research/monographs/monograph-42-small-arms-in-southern-africa-reflections-on-the-extent-of-the-problem-and-its-management-potential-by-virginia-gamba

Chicago

Gamba, Virginia. Small Arms in Southern Africa: Reflections on the Extent of the Problem and its Management Potential. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.org/research/monographs/monograph-42-small-arms-in-southern-africa-reflections-on-the-extent-of-the-problem-and-its-management-potential-by-virginia-gamba.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Gamba |first1=Virginia |title=Small Arms in Southern Africa: Reflections on the Extent of the Problem and its Management Potential |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.org/research/monographs/monograph-42-small-arms-in-southern-africa-reflections-on-the-extent-of-the-problem-and-its-management-potential-by-virginia-gamba |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{gambandsmall, author = {Gamba, Virginia}, title = {{Small Arms in Southern Africa: Reflections on the Extent of the Problem and its Management Potential}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.org/research/monographs/monograph-42-small-arms-in-southern-africa-reflections-on-the-extent-of-the-problem-and-its-management-potential-by-virginia-gamba}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }