Campaigning in Africa to Stop Killer Robots

By Guy Feugap, Africa Organizer of World BEYOND War

The Zimbabwe chapter of World BEYOND War has trained young people on the disadvantages of autonomous weapons systems and how they are a threat to peace, the planet and to the security of people, as well as on the use of digital technology to advocate for total disarmament.

It was a creative art workshop. Young people have an important role to play in the promotion of disarmament as a method to protect people and the planet from harm and to build safer and more peaceful societies. The creative art workshop allowed young people to imagine how their lives, and those of their communities, could be affected in the near future by the global community’s decision to take action on autonomous weapons at this crucial juncture. This workshop also played a role in promoting the Stop Killer Robots 2024 creative art contests and most of the young people were able to participate in the contest Stop Killer Robots.

The Cameroon chapter of World BEYOND War, as part of its Stop Killer Robots activities, has received support from the global Campaign to mobilize other African chapters and campaign members in Africa. Online meetings have been organized bringing together chapter coordinators and some African sections of WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom).

Today, the chapters of Senegal, the Gambia, Togo and Nigeria are actively engaging political actors, parliamentarians in particular. The chapters are participating in the parliamentary commitment to the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots in Africa, given its importance in promoting peace and security in the world. To this end, they are supporting the campaign activities being led by the Cameroon chapter of World BEYOND War. At this phase, they have printed campaign letters and other information documents to understanding the campaign. They are also delivering the letters to members of parliament and political parties represented in parliament.

World BEYOND War is a member of Stop Killer Robots, a global coalition of 200+ civil society organizations across 70+ countries. The coalition calls upon parliamentarians around the world to take this pledge and encourage governments to begin negotiations on an international treaty on autonomous weapon systems. The support of parliamentarians will help safeguard against the ethical, legal, and humanitarian risks posed by autonomy in weapon systems and promote a more peaceful world now and for generations to come. As constituent, campaigners asking parliamentarians to endorse this pledge to ensure a more peaceful world now and for generations to come.