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African Amnesty Month Launched in Namibia to Encourage Firearms Surrender

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security in Namibia has launched African Amnesty Month, a program aimed at encouraging citizens to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms, ammunition, and explosives. The initiative, which runs from September 1 to 30, 2025, is a result of a decision by the African Union to silence guns on the continent. Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Joseph Shikongo, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in promoting peace and security, stating that individuals surrendering illegal weapons during the amnesty period will not face prosecution.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Amnesty Month initiative is a response to the African Union's decision to silence guns on the continent, with September designated as amnesty month across Africa.
  • The program aims to encourage citizens to surrender illegal and unwanted firearms, ammunition, and armaments without the risk of prosecution.
  • Individuals surrendering illegal weapons during the amnesty period will not face prosecution, but those found with illegal weapons after September will face legal consequences.
  • The initiative is a collaborative effort between the government, law enforcement, and community leaders, with a goal of ending armed conflict, gender-based violence, and genocide by 2030 under Agenda 2063.
  • The event was attended by senior government officials, law enforcement representatives, and community leaders, including members of the Men and Women Network, Neighbourhood Watch, and Youth Against Crime.
  • Media outlets are encouraged to amplify the message nationwide, highlighting the importance of collective action in the success of the initiative.

Statistics:

  • 01 to 30 September 2025: Amnesty period for surrendering illegal firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
  • 2030: Target date for ending armed conflict, gender-based violence, and genocide under Agenda 2063.
  • 01 September 2025: Date on which law enforcement will begin escalating actions against individuals found with illegal firearms.

Sources:

  • African Union (AU)
  • Namibian Police Force
  • Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (Namibia)
  • [Note: The original text does not provide direct sources for quotes and information. However, the mentioned organizations and governments are the primary sources for the information.]

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