Port Louis:A three-day regional workshop began today at Le Labourdonnais Hotel in Port Louis, aiming to promote the universalisation and effective implementation of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The event gathers representatives and experts from the Indian Ocean region to discuss experiences and challenges in regulating conventional arms transfers and to explore measures to enhance national arms control systems and regional cooperation against illicit arms trafficking.
According to Government of Mauritius, the workshop, organized in collaboration with Expertise France under the European Union Partner-to-Partner (EU P2P) Programme, is scheduled from 11 to 13 November 2026. It focuses on regional security challenges, national arms transfer control mechanisms, transparency, reporting obligations, and technical assistance.
The opening ceremony featured several notable figures, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Commanding Officer of the Special Mobile Force, Mr Premanand Budhoo; First Secretary of the Delegation of the European Union to Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Marios Vitos; and Technical Director of the EU P2P ATT Programme at Expertise France, Mr Benjamin Hautecouverture.
In his speech, DCP Budhoo emphasized the workshop's significance in promoting the ATT's universalisation and effective implementation. He highlighted the Treaty's role in ensuring responsible arms transfers and preventing their diversion to illicit activities, which can lead to organized crime, terrorism, and regional instability.
Mr Budhoo also pointed out the strategic importance of maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean region and the need for stronger regional cooperation and improved information sharing to address security threats. He noted that coordinated regional action is vital for Small Island Developing States like Mauritius to maintain peace and security.
Mr Vitos reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting ATT universalisation and implementation, mentioning a £3.1 million budget for the fourth phase of the EU outreach programme to help countries tackle legal, administrative, and technical challenges.
Mr Hautecouverture discussed the workshop's agenda, which includes assessments of regional arms trafficking threats, discussions on national export control policies, and exchanges of good practices. He stressed the importance of identifying concrete actions and cooperation opportunities to strengthen regional security.
