Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia National Commission on Small Arms in collaboration with the Liberia National Police has formally issued the United States Embassy in Liberia certificates authorizing the issuance of weapons to diplomatic securities while on duties in the country.
James Fromayan, the chairman of the committee, revealed during the presenting ceremony that this is the first time his organization is supporting a foreign mission. He claimed that seeing the Liberia National Police and the Liberia government sign these certificates is a pleasure.
The US Embassy, he continued, has complied with all requirements, including training these diplomatic security personnel at the Liberia National Police Training Academy. Fromayam also mentioned that attempts are being made to obtain permission from the Executive Mansion to surround those who continue to possess firearms without authorization. Chairman Fromayan stated that everyone discovered to be unlawfully in possession of firearms will face legal consequences three months after the approval.
Colonel Gregory Coleman, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, referred to the United States Embassy’s certification to arm its diplomatic personnel as a turning point in the nation’s post-war history.
“We hope to work with the commission to trash out any other issues of firearms in the country and come out with a remedy in order to have some level of control,” he said, pointing out that the first commissioning of authorization of firearms for a foreign mission is an indication of progress.
Colonel Coleman declared, “We will be walking with some surprises soon if we deceive ourselves into thinking there are no illegal weapons in the hands of non-state actors. Over the last few years, we have seen a couple of different firearms permits being issued by different agency to people which is a clear indication that illegal weapons are in the country. We asked the government to get some level of control. We will give them a deadline and ask them to come in for marking and identification. Because, as long as there isn’t a licensed importer of firearms, how did the person get it?”
The LNP Inspector General reaffirmed his dedication to the state’s safety and security and pledged to collaborate with the commission. Inspector General Coleman states that the Liberia National Police is ready to help the Liberia National Commission on Arms eradicate illicit firearms from the nation at any time.
Tyler Daffy, a Special Agent with the Regional Security Office, accepted the certificates on behalf of the US Embassy and expressed gratitude to the Liberia National Police and the Liberia National Commission on Arms for their assistance.
Three diplomatic securities who had attended the Liberia National Police Training Academy were certified as lawfully authorized arm carriers in the US Embassy during the course of the program.
Reported by: Augustine Octavius
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