Countering illicit arms and armed groups across Greater West Africa: Re-setting priorities and the utility of large-scale data

Greater West Africa is undergoing significant turmoil. In the past five years, more than half of the region’s countries have experienced a coup attempt (a growing threat across the continent) or are confronting armed secessionist movements. While some countries have made progress in confronting the growing threat of armed violence, other states’ abilities to govern have deteriorated. The ready supply of illicit small arms and ammunition—and sometimes even heavy weapons systems—facilitates violent extremism and undermines the rule of law.