standup.comboniyouth.org.uk

victims

Let me give you an example. Karamoja is an area of Uganda, bordering Sudan and Kenya. The Karamojong have always raided their neighbours' cattle using spears. The end of communist regimes flooded the market with an enormous quantity of light weapons. It is appalling to see how many AK47s are in the hands of male civilians of all ages. We recall the late Comboni martyrs who died in Karamoja, Fr. Mario Mantovani and Br. Godfrey Kiryowa, caught in crossfire during such raids.

The dream of the prophet Isaiah - "they shall change their spears into ploughshares…" - is hindered by the fact that arms are sent to Africa in exchange for diamonds and oil. Poor countries need educational material, food supplies and medicines to combat war against the real enemies: ignorance, prejudice, famine, Aids and poverty. Without strengthened regional and international arms control measures, there will be little change to the tremendous human suffering and destruction caused by irresponsible arms transfers!

Life has taught me that "if you want peace you prepare for peace". Peace needs to be built one piece at a time, as it were. What about giving checkmate to global corporations operating in the war market, by supporting the role of the European legislators who are backing up the legislation framework for the International Arms Trade Treaty?