Johannesburg – The arms industry in South Africa has seen the sale of arms to other countries soaring to R2.7-billion last year, including to countries in conflict.
The National Conventional Arms Control Committee has said in a report, tabled in Parliament recently, that South Africa sold arms to countries including Iraq, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nigeria and Burundi.
Burundi is in the midst of a civil war after President Pierre Nkurunziza extended his term in office by another five years.
This has sparked civil unrest in his country, leading to what human right groups say is a clampdown on the opposition.
South Africa sold armoured combat vehicles to the value of R44-million to troubled Burundi last year.
President Jacob Zuma told Parliament three weeks ago that he had signed a military treaty with Nigeria in its battle with the insurgent Islamic group Boko Haram.
In Nigeria, South Africa sold armoured combat vehicles worth R64.8-million, artillery for R1.28-million, bombs for R9.7-million and ammunition for R31.8-million.
Boko Haram has killed hundreds of Nigerians in the past few years and kidnapped villagers and schoolgirls.
On his visit to Nigeria three weeks ago, Zuma signed a number of treaties, including on military co-operation.
Nigerian President Mu- hammadu Buhari has promised to clamp down on the militant Islamist group.