Sierra Leone is poised to become the focal point in the global discussion on regulating autonomous weapons systems as it prepares to host a landmark Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) conference on the issue.
Scheduled for April 17-18, 2024, in Freetown, the conference aims to propel forward the ongoing global discourse concerning the establishment of a legally binding instrument governing the use of autonomous weapons.
The urgency for reaching an agreement on such an instrument has been emphasized by the latest policy brief from the United Nations Secretary-General, which advocates for concluding negotiations by 2026. Sierra Leone, together with a coalition of like-minded nations, has played a pivotal role in advancing this agenda.
Following Sierra Leone’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 78/241 on autonomous weapons in December 2023. This resolution acknowledges the “serious challenges and concerns” posed by artificial intelligence and autonomy in weapons systems, laying the groundwork for international negotiations by inviting states to submit their perspectives and propose pathways forward.
Sierra Leone’s proactive engagement in regional and international affairs, coupled with its commitment to the Arms Trade Treaty, has garnered praise from numerous countries.
With Sierra Leone assuming a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the first time in over five decades, the upcoming conference presents a strategic opportunity for the nation to advocate for a multilateral approach to global peace and security.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Musa Timothy Kabba, emphasized Sierra Leone’s firsthand experience with armed violence and internal disturbances, positioning it as a staunch advocate for robust weapons regulation efforts.
Titled “Peace and Security Aspect of Autonomous Weapons Systems: an ECOWAS Perspective on a path forward towards the negotiation process of a legally binding instrument,” the conference was initiated by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission in Geneva. Funding has been secured for the event, facilitating crucial discussions within the ECOWAS framework.
The development of autonomous weapons signifies a significant paradigm shift in warfare, with potential ramifications extending beyond military application to include concerns about terrorist and criminal utilization. African nations, particularly those with fragile security infrastructures, are especially vulnerable to these threats due to the absence of comprehensive international regulations.
In collaboration with the Freetown-based Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, the Government of Sierra Leone aims to ensure the success of the conference by providing logistical support. By convening senior officials from ECOWAS Member States, multilateral institutions, civil society organizations, and experts in the field, the conference seeks to foster dialogue on the implications of autonomous weapons for global security, human rights, and international humanitarian law. Ultimately, the goal is to galvanize Member States towards prioritizing human control over autonomous weapons and achieving consensus on an international regulatory framework, thereby reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional and global peace and security.
