By Adenike Lawal
The Mexican government has launched a firearm buyback program, offering up to $1,300 to individuals who voluntarily surrender weapons, including machine guns and assault rifles.
The initiative, part of a broader citizen disarmament strategy, aims to reduce violent crime.
According to official details published on Monday, compensation varies based on the type of firearm: 8,700 pesos ($430) for a revolver, 25,000 pesos ($1,200) for an AK-47 rifle and 26,450 pesos ($1,300) for a machine gun.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, promoting the program under the slogan “Yes to Disarmament, Yes to Peace,” assured participants they would not face legal repercussions.
Weapons can be surrendered anonymously at designated collection points, including church lobbies, where individuals will receive economic compensation.
Sheinbaum cited Mexico City’s past success with similar programs in reducing firearm-related violence.
The capital, home to nine million residents, has seen positive outcomes from previous disarmament efforts.
The initiative comes amid Mexico’s ongoing battle with violent crime, largely driven by the illegal drug trade.
In 2023 alone, there were 31,062 reported homicides, with firearms responsible for approximately 70% of the deaths, according to the National Statistics Institute.
Despite Mexico’s strict gun laws, firearms remain widely available due to illegal trafficking from the United States.
The government continues to push for stronger measures to combat this cross-border arms flow.
