On June 17, 2020, CACDA and Saferworld co-hosted the 1st Meeting of the Africa-China-Europe Expert Working Group (EWG) on small arms and light weapons via video link. Participants included experts and scholars from African Centre for Peace, Security and Armed Violence Prevention, Security Research and Information Centre, Bureau for Community Security and Small Arms Control in South Sudan, Conflict Armament Research, Cape Town University, European Institute of Peace, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Yunnan University, etc.

They exchanged views on the proliferation of conventional arms and ammunition in Africa and discussed on the significance of the project and the follow-up plan. It was agreed upon that although relevant UN resolutions and regional initiatives contributed to the improvement of security situation in Africa, the illicit proliferation of conventional arms in Africa posed severe challenges on peace and security of the continent. The project was expected to enhance exchanges and cooperation, facilitate experience sharing, raise awareness for arms control and regulation and provide recommendations for addressing the illicit proliferation of conventional arms in Africa, with a view to promoting peace and security in the region.