President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of Liberia has issued Executive Order #141, requiring the registration of all civilian-owned firearms. This measure aims to address national security concerns arising from the proliferation of illicit firearms, which have been linked to increasing armed violence and criminal activities.
The order mandates that individuals possessing military-style weapons and single-barrel guns must register these firearms with the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) within a year from the order’s effective date. The key components include mandatory firearm registration, marking and recording in a national database for traceability, voluntary surrender of unauthorized firearms, and penalties for non-compliance.
The initiative is part of Liberia’s adherence to international arms control agreements such as the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The government has also enhanced measures for managing state-owned weapons.
Enforcement will be overseen by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with LiNCA, working alongside local authorities. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning will assist in implementing the operational plan with support from development partners.
This Executive Order is now in effect, with an appeal from the government for all firearm holders to comply within the specified timeframe to help ensure a safer Liberia.
