Berkley Center

Rev. Eugene Goussikindey, S.J. concluded a series of presentations at Georgetown with a discussion of arms movements within Africa and their impact on the continent's widespread violent conflicts. He analyzed several competing explanations for small arms proliferation—including financial incentives and government encouragement—and called for greater transparency to combat the problem. Options included more intensive national border patrols and deeper international cooperation. Also discussed were other practical mechanisms to improve the lives of Africans who are threatened by this culture of violence. Goussikindey concluded the question period by insisting that on this and other issues, citizens in Africa and in the West make an awareness of shared humanity a starting point for policy.