President Boakai has enacted Executive Order #141, mandating the registration of all civilian firearms to enhance national security. Individuals must register military-style weapons and single-barrel guns within 12 months. Key provisions include mandatory registration, a national database for traceability, and legal consequences for non-compliance. This order aligns with international agreements and aims to significantly reduce armed violence in Liberia.
In a significant move to bolster national security, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has enacted Executive Order 141, which requires all civilians in Liberia to register their firearms. This directive targets the rising threat of armed violence linked to unregulated weapons, including military-grade arms.
The Executive Order mandates that individuals possessing military-style weapons and single-barrel guns must register with the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) within a year from the order’s implementation. This effort aims to counteract the risks posed by unregulated firearms, which have been associated with armed robberies and other criminal activities.
Key elements of Executive Order 141 include:
– The enforced registration of civilian firearms in alignment with national regulations.
– The establishment of a national database to track registered firearms.
– The option for individuals to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms to LiNCA.
– Legal repercussions for failing to register firearms post-deadline, which may involve administrative or criminal actions.
This legislation aligns with Liberia’s commitments under various international arms control treaties, such as the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, thus promoting regional security cooperation. Additionally, efforts to secure state-owned weaponry have been enhanced through rigorous marking and stockpile management protocols.
The enforcement of this Executive Order will be overseen by the Ministry of Justice in conjunction with LiNCA, ensuring compliance through working relationships with local authorities. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, supported by development partners, is also expected to facilitate effective implementation of the operational plan.
This Executive Order is now in effect, and authorities urge firearm holders to adhere to the registration requirements promptly to ensure a safer Liberia.
President Boakai’s Executive Order #141 significantly impacts firearm regulation in Liberia by mandating registration for civilian-owned firearms to enhance national security and address the issue of armed violence. With strict penalties for non-compliance and aligned with international agreements, the order aims to ensure a comprehensive approach to regulating firearms in the country.
Original Source: gnnliberia.com
