The centre was created in 2000 in Nairobi by 10 countries in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa. Since its implementation, two more African states have joined. Small arms are an increasing threat to peace and security in the region and have killed an estimated 3 million people in sub-Saharan Africa. There are an estimated 30 million small arms in Africa which have helped fuel tensions in a number of regions throughout the continent. The regional centre has facilitated meetings on the issue and helped create national focal points.