The trafficking and the illicit trade in small arms has marred Africa for decades. Various national, regional and international organisations are working hard to halt this problem. The United Nations estimates that there are more than 500 million light weapons in circulation around the world. This is surely a serious cause for concern as peace and security are the fundamental prerequisites for social and economic prosperity. Millions of people in Africa have been killed while multitudes have become refugees and internally displaced, writes Khulani Qoma.