Oluwole Ojewale, Ph.D’s Post

A fascinating article about urbanization and arms trafficking. How poor urban planning, and rapid urban growth, can facilitate the illicit arms trade is a topic requiring additional investigation. https://lnkd.in/daNgDjRP Here is another on how illicit arms shipments from the US facilitates urban violence in Haiti. https://lnkd.in/dtAERsCc

🌍🤝 The EU is committed to fighting organized crime alongside the Western Balkans! Frontex stands as a prime example of this successful collaboration. Last month, with key coordination from the EU funded EU4FAST action, a joint operation between the EU, Western Balkans, and other countries led to a massive crackdown: nearly 300 firearms seized, and 172 smugglers arrested. EU4FAST provided crucial logistical and financial support. This large-scale operation underscores the power of international cooperation in boosting regional security. 🔒🚔🔫    #WeBalkans #EUandYOU #WesternBalkans EU Neighborhood & Enlargement

🌍 The Chad-Cameroon-Central African Republic tri-border is one of the least-studied borderland areas of West Africa despite its growing strategic importance. This report, by Eleanor Beevor, PhD and Alexandre Bish, presents a snapshot of arms trafficking and the violence that follows in these countries. 🔍 The paper incorporates in-person and remote interviews with 36 stakeholders, a visual component showcasing clandestine arms, and meticulous analysis of current weapons available in the region. ⬇

Cuban Interior Ministry prevents smuggling weapons from US to the island The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that as a result of an investigation a "citizen Ardenis Garcia Alvarez, the main perpetrator of these actions brewing in the United States", was detained HAVANA, July 9/ Cuba's Ministry of the Interior has prevented large quantities of firearms and ammunition from being smuggled into the island from the United States, according to a statement on the ministry’s website. As the report notes, "in December 2023, the Cuban government published in the official newspaper of the republic a list of people and institutions that sponsor terrorism against Cuba: two days later, preliminary information became known about the neutralization of a new recruitment plan to carry out violent actions [in Cuba], which a Cuban citizen living in the United States intended to implement." The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that as a result of an investigation carried out by specialists from the ministry, "citizen Ardenis Garcia Alvarez, the main perpetrator of these actions brewing in the United States, who emigrated to this country illegally in 2014, as well as other persons living in the national [ Cuban] territory." The Ministry of Internal Affairs clarified that Garcia Alvarez "illegally entered Cuba by sea and brought firearms and ammunition." "The actions of the forces of the Ministry of the Interior made it possible to avoid the implementation of the developed plans, managed and financed, once again, by the United States, and contributed to the investigation into the facts and the people who were involved in them," the Cuban Ministry of the Interior said. #business #finance #financialservices

Stop it now

Here a new report of the situation of soldiers and settlers violence against Palestinians in occupied West Bank: https://lnkd.in/dAcyr6sa

#SAS #TravelSecurity #SecurityServices #Vietnam: A trial in Vietnam has begun for nearly 100 people accused of terrorism after a series of gun attacks in the country's Central Highlands resulted in nine deaths. The attacks, which took place in June 2019, involved a group of individuals riding motorbikes and using firearms to target political headquarters and police offices. Gun violence is rare in Vietnam as owning firearms is prohibited for individuals. The trial, held at the prison where the accused are being held, saw 98 people charged with terrorism, one with hiding criminals, and another with intermediating illegal immigration. Six of the accused are being tried in absentia and are under international arrest warrants. According to a state-run newspaper, the aim of the terrorists was to establish the so-called Dega state and overthrow the Vietnamese government. The Dega are an ethnic minority group from the Central Highlands known for their discontent over issues such as land rights. The group is linked to Montagnard political exiles in the United States who advocate for autonomy or independence for the region. During the investigation, the defendants confessed to the charges but claimed they were forced into the attack. The police seized various weapons and explosive devices following the attacks. The trial is expected to last for 10 days, and if convicted, the punishment for terrorist offenses in Vietnam can include the death penalty. #Investigations #Intelligence #Securityservices #Executiveprotection #Securitymanagement #Travelrisk #Travelsecurity #Riskanalysis #Securitylogistic For info: S.A.S. investigations and security Phone: +39 0463 901545 Web: www.sasinvestigation.com Mail. info@sasinvestigation.com

Central Asia in Focus: This week – Kazakh and Kyrgyz authorities apprehend terrorism suspects; UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls on Tajik authorities to release imprisoned Pamiris; the latest revised version of Kyrgyzstan’s proposed media law comes up for public discussion; water problems in western Kazakhstan; and a reminder of the latest Majlis podcast that looks at the ongoing campaign to silence Karakalpaks. https://lnkd.in/dRtbeJRE

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡. Did you know… The month of September of each year is observed as the “Africa Amnesty Month”? Africa Amnesty Month is a period dedicated to encourage African Union Member States to promote the voluntary surrender and collection of illicit 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 (SALW) in line with national laws and international agreements. It is an initiative that aims to raise awareness and foster adherence among communities, urging civilians to surrender illegally owned weapons to designated authorities 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. The commemoration also seeks to engage civil society in promoting SALW surrender, support Member States in addressing the root causes of armament and call upon the international community to assist Member States in combating illicit SALW. It is anticipated that Africa Amnesty Month 2024 will drive Member States to advance SALW surrender initiatives, advocate for strengthened 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 and 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (DDR) programs in post-conflict situations, and encourage international organizations to share information on illicit SALW trade to support effective countermeasures by Member States. #SilencingTheGuns in Africa #TheAfricaWeWant #Agenda2063 ➖ https://ow.ly/2yBI50ThfZh