The United Nations arms embargoes on Liberia and the role of arms brokers

Abstract

The illicit arms brokering activities represent a key element in fueling inter-states and intra-state conflicts and contribute to increase their intensity. The problem has emerged in its importance only recently, but soon, the international community recognized the necessity of intensifying the efforts to contrast it. But the efforts made by the international community, mainly through United Nations arms embargoes, are still ineffective in achieving the aims of stopping the flow of small arms and light weapons to conflict areas, in particular in Western African countries, a region of persistent instability and conflicts. The thesis analyzes in particular the causes of this inefficiency in stopping the flow of arms to Liberia during the war period: a combination of different factors such as the involvement of arms brokers, the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, corruption as well as the role of Flag of Convenience countries (FoC), constitutes a fruitful possibility to loophole the UN arms embargo. Transport of arms by air and by sea, plays an important part in this illegal trade but the leading role is played by arms brokers, who work in a hidden world of illicit business which involves also governments of different countries. Further and new measures should be adopted and internationally-recognized. But first of all, it is necessary a real political will from all single states.