In preparation for its first Regional conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from April 17 to 18 2024, the Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone in Geneva, Switzerland, last week, hosted Ambassadors of ECOWAS Missions and Embassies in Geneva.
The consultative meeting in Geneva focused on briefing member states on the inaugural Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective. Among other important issues that the Head of Mission, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone in Geneva, Switzerland, Dr Lansana Gberie, said, “the rapid integration of autonomous technologies in weapon systems has given rise to grave concerns across humanitarian, legal, security, technological, and ethical spectrums.
Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) pose a potential threat to global peace and security, with the ease of replication and transfer raising alarming issues. Additionally, the development of mechanisms associated with autonomous weapons increases concerns about stability and security because, among other factors, the possibility that these weapons may be acquired and used for criminality by non-state actors. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this challenge, Sierra Leone is organizing a high-level Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons Systems in Freetown.”
Ambassadors from member countries were requested to provide “the political and technical guidance, input, and involvement of Ambassadors before the Regional Conference to build on convergence points and laying a stronger foundation for a successful Regional Conference in Sierra Leone.” His Excellency Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, shared Sierra Leone’s Perspective on the Regional Conference that is scheduled to take place next week. Ambassador Gberie informed the meeting of President Bio’s commitment and focus on regional peace and security to drive sustainable development in prioritising investments in Human Capital Development, among others.
In his statement on the Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Costa Rica, H.E. Mr Christian Guillermet Fernandez, welcomed and thanked the government of Sierra Leone for hosting the first Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective, and for organizing the informal Consultative meeting ahead of the main event in Freetown. He shared Costa Rica’s perspective on the governance of autonomous weapons systems and the regional conference held in San Jose, Costa Rica, last year to address the numerous challenges posed by the unchecked proliferation of autonomous weapons systems around the world. Ambassador Gberie maintained that the threat posed by such weapons systems, particularly in the context of our regional security landscape, needs to be addressed urgently at the regional and global levels.
It is in recognition of the urgency of addressing this challenge, particularly in the context of our regional and global security landscape, that Sierra Leone is organizing this high-level regional conference. The purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for frank exchanges among ECOWAS Member States and establish a common regional position to address the threats posed by these weapons systems. Ambassador Gberie reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to engaging constructively in the ongoing discussions for a new legally binding instrument with prohibitions and regulations to ensure meaningful human control over autonomous weapons systems, as we continue our collective efforts towards forging a safer and more secure future for all.
The first Regional Conference on the Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons System: An ECOWAS Perspective will be adopted by consensus in Sierra Leone on 17- 18 April 2024, a strong outcome document that reflects the collective commitment of ECOWAS member states to address the challenges posed by autonomous weapons systems, and advance collaborative efforts toward peace, security, and humanitarian values in the ECOWAS region and beyond.
