ABSTRACT
The end of the Cold War and the subsequent peace in southern Africa did not lead to the expected elimination of weapons proliferation in the region. More than ever before, the southern African states are deeply concerned about the spread of small arms and their significant impact on regional peace and stability. Post-independence armed conflicts saw the arrival of private arms dealers into the already saturated market. The proliferation of small arms in southern Africa cannot be examined independently of its political history. In Zimbabwe, small arms are primarily used in poaching activities. The proliferation of small arms is largely confined to areas along the borders, for numerous reasons. The proliferation of small arms and its threat to peace and stability is now an accepted, realistic problem which requires practical solutions. The problem of small arms proliferation in southern Africa must be accepted as the main impediment to social and economic development.
