Immediately following a robust year of accessions and ratifications in Africa, Lesotho has become the 80th States Party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). Their instrument of ratification was deposited at the United Nations in New York on 25th January 2016 by H.E. Mr. Kelebone Maope, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Lesotho (pictured).
The Control Arms Secretariat warmly welcomed Lesotho to the growing group of States Parties committed to regulating the dangerous global arms trade.
”Lesotho’s ratification of Arms Trade Treaty proves once again the importance and relevance of the Treaty to Africa,” said Nounou Booto Meeti, African Regional Coordinator for Control Arms. “2016 is a landmark year for Africa, particularly given the Nigerian presidency at the Second ATT Conference of States Parties. We urge all other African States to join the ATT.”
Lesotho’s ratification to the Treaty makes it the 18th States Party from Africa. The Control Arms Coalition anticipates that the momentum will continue forward on the continent in 2016, and looks forward to working throughout Africa and worldwide towards Treaty universalisation whilst supporting States Parties as they begin to implement the Treaty.