A research by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) says arms trafficking, cattle rustling and kidnap-for-ransom are major illicit economies fuelling instability in West Africa.
In a statement yesterday, GI-TOC said the research, which covered 18 countries and 280 hubs of illicit activities identified across West Africa, the Sahel and Central Africa, used the Illicit Economies and Instability Monitor (IEIM) mapping initiative.
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It said the deteriorating security situation across areas underscored the importance of a better understanding of the relationship between illicit economy and instability in the region.
Director, GI-TOC, Mark Shaw, according to the statement, said: “This work presents an important step forwards in better understanding the complex relationship between illicit economies and instability in West Africa, and supporting policymakers in designing tailored and crime-sensitive stabilization programmes.”
The report noted that arms trafficking is a major market in most illicit hubs with strong links to instability, thus highlighting the close relationship between arms trafficking and instability.
It, however, said while “policymakers use broad-brush responses to illicit economies, the priority should be addressing those illicit economies that generate violence and foment tension and conflict among communities across West Africa (namely arms trafficking, cattle rustling and kidnap-for-ransom).”
The report, “Organized crime and instability dynamics: Mapping illicit hubs in West Africa” will be launched on Wednesday, September 7.
