Africa-Press – Liberia. The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a British based International Organization have concluded a four-day assessment mission in preparation for the construction of two standardized armories in the country.
The armories, according to a LiNCA press release, will be used by state security agencies for the storage of weapons seized from crime scenes as well as voluntarily surrendered weapons retrieved from communities around the country.
During the assessment mission, MAG Technical Field Manager for West Africa, Mr. Yacouba Kone and officials from the Arms Commission held engagement meetings with the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS).
The physical site assessment identified the EBK barracks and the Regional Security Hub in Margibi and Bong Counties as suitable sites for the construction of the armories.
The Arms Commission Acting Chairman Hon. Thomas K. Kollie, in separate meetings, mentioned the MAG support to Weapons and Ammunition Management in Liberia, particularly the technical assistance and training provided during the public destruction of seized and obsolete weapons carried out at the EBK barracks in October, 2022 as serious contributions to peace and security.
Speaking further, Hon. Kollie noted that once constructed, the armories would be used as standard storage for seized and obsolete weapons pending destruction, which will greatly contribute to public security.
He reaffirmed the Arms Commission commitment to promoting effective Weapons and Ammunition Management to combat the illicit proliferation of weapons, ammunition and explosives.
He stated that the project to construct the armories and train state security officers will conclude in September 2023 and emphasized MAG commitment to provide technical assistance towards the destruction of seized and voluntary surrendered weapons.
Also speaking, authorities from the AFL, LNP and the LIS expressed their gratitude to the Arms Commission and MAG for the continual support to the security sector of Liberia particularly in the area of Weapons and Ammunition Management.
The national security actors noted that the intervention to provide standardized armories and specialized training for armorers and related personnel was timely and a boost to the maintenance of peace and security in Liberia and the sub region.
Chapter IV Section 4.2(h) of the Act establishing the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) states in pertinent part that the Commission shall “enhance and ensure public security and safety by advising on the destruction of all conventional arms including small arms, light weapons, ammunition and other related materials.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
