The influx of arms in Africa has played a crucial role in shaping the continent's security landscape, impacting both government forces and non-state entities. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the top 6 African countries with the largest arms imports between 2019 and 2023 have been revealed, highlighting the growing trend of military spending on the continent.

Africa's total military spending reached $51.6 billion in 2023, marking a 22% increase from 2022 and a 1.5% rise compared to 2014. Sub-Saharan Africa contributed $23.1 billion to this total, reflecting an 8.9% increase from 2022 but a decline compared to 2014. The increase in military spending in 2023 was largely driven by Nigeria, the subregion's largest military spender, which saw a 20% rise in its defense budget.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recorded the world's largest percentage increase in military expenditure, doubling its spending by 105% to $794 million. Sudan followed closely with the second-highest global percentage increase, raising its spending by 78% to $1.1 billion in 2023, after a staggering 108% increase in 2022.

The surge in military spending across these African nations is primarily attributed to escalating internal violence and mounting security challenges. The influx of arms has played a significant role in shaping the continent's security landscape, with many conflicts linked to external influences facilitated by arms and mercenary supplies.

The ranking of the top 6 African countries with the largest arms imports between 2019 and 2023 is as follows: Nigeria (16% of total imports), Angola (9.2%), Senegal (9.2%), Mali (8%), Uganda (5.6%), and Ethiopia (4.9%). These countries collectively accounted for approximately 34.4% of the total arms imports in the region.

When compared to the records in 2014-18, Angola and Nigeria remained the top arms importers, while Sudan and Cameroon were the third and fourth largest arms recipients during that period. The growing trend of military spending on the continent has sparked calls for stricter regulation of the arms trade, which is currently dominated by the "Big Five"—the United States, Russia, China, France, and Ukraine.

The implications of rising military spending on the continent's security landscape are far-reaching. As internal conflicts and security challenges continue to escalate, the influx of arms is likely to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the continent's future. As such, it is essential to monitor and analyze the trends in military spending and arms imports to better understand the complexities of Africa's security landscape.

In conclusion, the top 6 African countries with the largest arms imports between 2019 and 2023 provide a snapshot of the growing trend of military spending on the continent. As the security landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to explore the implications of rising military spending and its impact on the continent's future.