East Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its security trajectory, as the region grapples with escalating threats from violent extremist organizations and resource-driven conflicts. The persistent use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by Al-Shabaab and the resurgence of Islamic State-affiliated activities underscore the fragility of Somalia’s security landscape. A stark illustration of this volatility was the devastating attack in Mogadishu in August 2024, which claimed 32 lives. Other significant IED incidents over the past year include a January bombing in Ceelasha Biyaha, a suicide attack near the General Kaahiye Police Academy in August, and an October explosion in the Karan district of Mogadishu.
The security crisis is not confined to Somalia; its repercussions extend across the region. In Kenya, climate-induced resource scarcity exacerbates intercommunal tensions, increasing the demand for illicit arms and perpetuating cycles of violence. Al-Shabaab’s cross-border activities remain a pressing concern, with IED attacks spilling into Mandera County, where multiple fatal incidents occurred in 2024—including a particularly devastating bombing in Elwak in April.
The proliferation of illicit firearms, coupled with the continued use of IEDs, deepens regional instability, creating environments where the security of women and marginalized groups is profoundly compromised. Addressing these interlinked challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates small arms control efforts with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Such an approach is not merely beneficial but imperative for fostering sustainable peace and security in the region.
Against this backdrop, the project aims to enhance the capacity of the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) and key member states to develop and implement coordinated national and regional responses. These efforts will focus on mitigating the risks associated with the widespread circulation and misuse of illicit firearms, their ammunition, and IEDs and their components—whether among civilians, armed groups, or entities designated as terrorist organizations.
The project seeks to reinforce small arms control and C-IED efforts as a means of mitigating the enduring impact of armed violence on women, men, girls, and boys across the region. To achieve this objective, the project will implement the following key activities:
- Developing a standardized methodology for estimating civilian firearms holdings along the Kenya-Somalia border, thereby enhancing data-driven policymaking and intervention strategies.
- Conducting a comprehensive assessment of IED-related threats in the Kenya-Somalia border to inform targeted responses.
- Supporting Kenya in evaluating its national C-IED capabilities to foster a more effective and coordinated approach to C-IED.
- Providing capacity-building support to RECSA, enhancing regional coordination in arms control and counter-proliferation efforts.
For further information on the project, please contact:
 Julien Joly |