Burundi only EA state to ratify cluster arms pact

As the Convention on Cluster Munitions comes into force this month, Burundi will occupy pride of place as the only East African state to have ratified the international pact.

Burundi and six other African nations join 30 countries from across the world that have already ratified the convention.

Among the factors cited by the East African countries for their poor showing is a busy legislative schedule with competing items.

According to the advocacy and campaigns officer at Handicap International, Daniel Aghan, besides the varying legislation priorities, there is little understanding among citizens of the impact of using cluster munitions.

Mr Aghan argued that governments in the region need to openly discuss issues surrounding cluster munitions and inform their citizens what they are doing to ratify the convention.

The convention is a legally binding attempt by the world to eliminate cluster munitions — weapons that contain smaller explosive sub-munitions.

Launched on the ground or dropped from the air, these weapons pose a risk to civilians if they detonate; if they do not do so immediately, they can still kill or maim many years later.

According to Mr Aghan, East Africans are directly affected by the cluster munitions.

For instance, while Uganda previously used the cluster munitions and is working towards clearing its stockpiles, there is the risk that this could be used against another country.

Ethiopia and Eritrea, on the other hand, are said to be stockpiling the weapons, a trend that could prove dangerous to neighbouring countries.

Kenya, which analysts say should provide leadership in the region over this issue, has not done any better over a year since signing the treaty.

Mr Aghan said that the cluster munitions are shrouded in secrecy and generally people fear talking about them in the open.

“Authorities are also reluctant to encourage such conversations.”

With the coming into force of the convention, the 37 countries that have already ratified it have a calendar for eliminating the cluster bombs and assisting the communities that have been affected by the weapons.

Over the next eight years, they will be required to declare and destroy stockpiled cluster munitions within their borders; to identify and clear all areas that are contaminated by cluster munitions within the next 10 years.

The countries also have to assist affected communities and cluster munition survivors so that they can be fully included in society and enjoy their fundamental human rights.

The countries converge in Lao PDR for the First Meeting of States Parties in the capital, Vientiane from November 12 to chart the way forward for the convention.

Lao PDR has been selected to host this meeting due to its history as the most heavily bombed country in the world.