The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms with support from the African Union has officially launched the September 2022 African Amnesty Month Project in Monrovia.
The program is held under the theme: “SILENCING THE GUNS” initiative brought together stakeholders from the Diplomatic Community, Religious Community, Private and Governmental Sectors with the aim of controlling arms in the country.
Serving as keynote speaker, the National Security Advisor to the president Mr. Jefferson Kanmoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the peace and stability of the country. According to him, there is a need for authorities at the National Security Agency to constantly train and educate members of the state security on the usage of firearms across the country in order to avoid national embarrassment.
He at the same time called for regular testing and evaluation of security personnel across the country. Mr. Kanmoh expressed joy and appreciated the head of the Small Arms Maxwell Grigsby for organizing the program.
For his part, Small Arms Boss Maxwell Grigsby noted that there are more than two thousand illegal arms carriers in the country which is tarnishing the reputation of the country. He noted that the program is intended to make Liberia free of illegal arms carriers across the country, and quickly added that the commission has put in place five years strategic plans to eradicate illegal arms carriers in the country.
According to Atty. Grigsby, in 2006 Liberia’s former president Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf issued an executive order that prohibited the usage of illegal arms by civilians in the country. He noted that a portion of the 1986 constitution was omitted by members of the National Legislature giving the opportunity to some citizens to carry illegal arms for protection.
He narrated that there are some Liberians who still believe that they have the right to carry firearms which is far from reality. The Small Arm Boss spoke on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at a program marking September 2022 African Amnesty Month Project.
Reported by: Joseph N. Kerkula
Contact: +231777376826
Email: jnkerkula@gmail.com
