Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has signed Executive Order No. 141, requiring the registration of all firearms in civilian possession. The directive aims to curb the increasing threat posed by illicit firearms, including military-style and locally manufactured weapons, which have been linked to violent crimes, armed robberies, and other security concerns across the country.
The order addresses growing fears over the unregulated circulation of small arms and light weapons, which pose significant threats to Liberia’s peace, security, and development. President Boakai underscored that these weapons are frequently used in violent crimes, particularly those targeting women and children, undermining national stability and economic growth.
Under the new directive, all individuals possessing military-style firearms and single-barrel guns must register their weapons with the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) within the next 12 months. The registration process includes marking and recording the weapons in a national arms database to facilitate tracing in cases of theft or loss.
The government has also sent a clear warning to individuals in illegal possession of firearms. The Executive Order mandates that all unregistered weapons, including craft firearms and military-grade arms, be voluntarily surrendered to the LNCA within the designated timeframe for processing and registration. Those who fail to comply will face administrative sanctions or criminal prosecution as outlined in the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015.
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the LNCA, will ensure full enforcement of the order. To support its implementation, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, alongside international partners, will oversee the operational aspects of the registration process. Local authorities, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and district officials, have been instructed to cooperate to ensure an efficient and orderly registration.
This initiative aligns with Liberia’s commitments to international treaties and conventions aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit firearms, including the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
With the deadline for registration approaching, authorities are urging all civilians in possession of firearms to comply, stressing the importance of contributing to the country’s security and stability.
