Global General

Africa urged to tackle gun problem after Angola shooting

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-12 20:58

NAIROBI: The recent murderous attack on the Togo football team in Angola highlights the need for African governments to take actions to control the proliferation of guns, the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) said on Tuesday.

IANSA said in a statement issued in Nairobi that the shooting should act as a wake up call for the African governments to tackle the gun problem.

"Our sympathies go to the relatives of the dead and injured, and we praise the dignified way the players responded," said Joseph Dube, the Africa coordinator of IANSA.

"In Africa, football is a unifying force, and in this shooting we were all under attack. There can be no justification for such horrific violence, and the events in Cabinda are a reminder of the need for a concerted campaign to reduce gun violence."

Dube said the Angolan tragedy has led to concerns about the safety of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and other international sporting events.

But, he noted that it also gives South Africa an example to show leadership, and take positive measures which will be an example to the rest of the continent.

"But stronger action is needed," Dube said. "Stadiums should be permanently declared Firearm Free Zones, and not just for the duration of the 2010 tournament. Carrying a weapon into a sports stadium should be made illegal."

"Guns and football do not go together."

IANSA welcomes the fact that guns will be banned from football stadiums during the World Cup.