The Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA), James M. Fromayan, has called for stronger regional cooperation to combat the illicit flow of small arms, light weapons, and related materials undermining West Africa’s stability and development.
Speaking at the launch of Sierra Leone’s National Action Plan on Arms and Ammunition, Chairman Fromayan emphasized the need for strategic collaboration to enhance national and human security across the region. He highlighted the shared socio-economic and political values between Liberia and Sierra Leone as a foundation for ensuring regional stability.
Expressing gratitude to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio for the invitation, Chairman Fromayan held separate meetings with officials from Sierra Leone’s Arms Commission and Liberia’s Embassy in Freetown. He urged unity in addressing the proliferation of illegal arms and lauded Sierra Leone’s Arms Commission for its efforts in developing the National Action Plan, calling it a milestone achievement for the ECOWAS region.
During the event, Chairman Fromayan was honored with traditional regalia by the Sierra Leone Arms Commission in recognition of his contributions to upholding democratic values.
Accompanying Chairman Fromayan to Freetown were Communication and Outreach Officer Thomas Mulbah, David K. Jallah of the President’s Young Professionals Program, Victoria T. Cooper (Secretary to the Chairman), and Tracy Cummings (Program Assistant).
The Sierra Leone National Action Plan was funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and supported technically by Small Arms Survey in Switzerland. Chairman Fromayan commended the government of Sierra Leone and its civil society for backing the initiative.
As LiNCA gears up for its Civilian Arms Registration rollout, the commission remains committed to fostering regional stability and public safety through strategic collaborations and robust regulatory frameworks.
This comes at the time when the Commission through its Chairman James Fromayan had disclosed LiNCA’s plans to launch a groundbreaking Civilian Arms Registration program. Pending a presidential proclamation by President Joseph Boakai, the initiative aims to formalize arms registration nationwide, ensuring compliance with national laws.
The program, according to him, will include public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the registration process and legal requirements. Strict eligibility criteria will bar individuals with mental health issues, psychological instability, or extreme temperamental behavior from obtaining arms.
“LiNCA’s priority is public safety, ensuring that only the right individuals are authorized to own arms,” Chairman Fromayan said.
LiNCA will also maintain rigorous oversight of arms importation and sales applications. Chairman Fromayan cited a recent case where an arms importation request was denied after a detailed review, reflecting the agency’s commitment to thorough due diligence.
