Margibi County—Mr. Urias W. Brooks, Jr., chief executive officer of the non-for-profit organization UMOVEMENT, has appealed to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to conduct a comprehensive review of the newly issued Executive Order #141, which mandates the registration of all firearms in civilian possession.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey, [email protected]
The executive order, issued by President Boakai on February 24, seeks to address rising national security concerns associated with illicit firearms, including military-style weapons, that have contributed to an uptick in violent crimes such as armed robberies.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the order is a response to the significant threats posed by the proliferation of unregulated small arms, which jeopardize Liberia’s peace, security, and economic stability.
“The proliferation of unregulated small arms poses significant risks to Liberia’s peace, security, and economic development,” the order states.
Under Executive Order #141, individuals in possession of military-style weapons and single-barrel guns are required to register their firearms and obtain permits from the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP) within a 12-month period.
However, Mr. Brooks has expressed deep concern over the growing threat of violence in Liberia, particularly related to the accessibility of firearms, rising drug abuse among youth, and the pressing need for stronger security measures.
Reflecting on Liberia’s recent history, Mr. Brooks noted that the country is still grappling with the aftermath of the 14 years of civil conflict, which has left many Liberians exhibiting wartime behaviors, including mob violence and brutal attacks with sharp weapons. These violent acts, he said, continue to endanger national peace and security.
Mr. Brooks urged President Boakai’s administration to invest honestly in strengthening Liberia’s security apparatus, with a particular focus on effective law enforcement and crime prevention.
He emphasized the critical importance of controlling illegal firearms to prevent them from falling into the hands of unauthorized individuals.
Additionally, Brooks stressed the concerning prevalence of narcotics among Liberian youth, especially students, which raises further security concerns.
He pointed to the potential for individuals under the influence of drugs to escalate conflicts through deadly violence, citing examples such as the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in the United States and the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Precious Ireland in Liberia.
To address these concerns, Mr. Brooks recommended that President Boakai’s administration organize a multi-stakeholder dialogue to develop comprehensive policies on gun control, school safety, and mental health awareness.
He also called for stronger firearm regulations to ensure that illegal gun owners are identified and prosecuted, while maintaining strict controls over legal ownership.
Also, Mr. Brooks further recommended increased investment in security and law enforcement to enhance surveillance and crime prevention strategies, along with stronger drug prevention programs to curb substance abuse among young people.
In light of these concerns, Mr. Brooks has urged President Boakai to reconsider and withdraw Executive Order #141, advocating for a thorough national consultation to evaluate the order’s implications and ensure it does not inadvertently increase firearm access to unauthorized individuals.
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