New York – The Inspector General of the Liberian National Police, Christopher Clarence Massaquoi has expressed gratitude to the global community for the ultimate sacrifice it made towards the restoration of peace and stability in Liberia, and urged for a robust global support for the country’s National security apparatus including the National Police.
He said such a call has become necessary in the wake of the ongoing transition plan to transfer responsibilities of Nation’s security to the Government of Liberia.
According to the dispatch from New York, the Liberian Police Chief remarks were contained in a Statement he delivered at the first-ever United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) , held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on Friday the 3 of May 2016.
Director Massaquoi also pointed out that it was a privilege and honor for him to have participated and addressed such an important summit which provided him an opportunity to interact and speak directly to Police contributing countries of the UN and thanked them for their support to the Liberian peace process.
While expressing condolences for the lives lost in the course of maintaining peace and stability, he said he hoped that the countries concerned will take solace in the fact that their loved ones have saved humanity.
The Police Chief also told the audience that the Compressive Peace Agreement reached in Accra, among other things, emphasized the need for the restructuring and rebuilding of Liberia’s security apparatus including the Police as an important component.
Therefore, he said, the Reorganization of the Liberian National Police took effect following the deployment of United Nations Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL).
According to the Police Chief, this exercise involved the retirement of several Police officers, as well as recruitment of new officers in partnership with the UN and other bilateral partners.
The objective, according to the Inspector General of Police, was and is still is, to ensure that the Liberian National Police is professionalized and capable in protecting lives and property.
On efforts being made by the Government to strengthen the capacity of the Police, the IG said, over the years, the Government of Liberia through its own budgetary assistance, has been very supportive of efforts to rebuild the capacity of the National Police, and that in recent times, the National Government has funded several projects aimed at enhancing policing at some of the critical bordering counties.
He named the provision of logistics, uniforms, among others as some of the initiatives being made by the Government to improve the working conditions of Police.
He then assured the international community of Liberia’s Police readiness to shoulder responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in post-UNMIL era.
Such, he said is a call of National duty which must be effectively carried out for the common good of the country.
The Liberia’s Police Chief however, acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead in carrying out these new tasks.
He therefore, called for a more robust support from partners as the Police extend its scope of operations over the entire geographical boundaries of the country, stressing that efforts be made to match the skills acquired over years, with the requisite tools in order to ensure efficient policing.
“Therefore, more assistance is needed to supplement Government’s efforts at this critical juncture of the country’s history”. He averred.
Addressing a press conference earlier, the Liberian Police Chief while expressing appreciation to the UN Secretary General and the organizers of the event for honor accorded him to participate in the summit and share his thoughts on the roles and challenges of policing post-conflict nations like Liberia, Col. Massaquoi said that Liberia’s National Police under his leadership is working assiduously to assume fully its national security responsibilities upon the departure of UNMIL.
“I wish to assure you that the National Police is ready to assume fully its national security responsibilities. Recruitment and training of Police is ongoing with focus on professionalism and quality”
The IG further informed the body that enabling laws on firearms, as well as Police and immigration have been enacted into law by the National Legislature of Liberia.
Under the transition arrangement, he said, the National Police has begun deploying gradually into various counties, and that this process will continue until the Police establishes its full presence throughout the length and breadth of the country.
He, however, acknowledged that such deployment comes with challenges. He therefore, called on partners to ramp up support for the Police to ensure that it is fully capacitated to assume its national responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Massaquoi has had bilateral discussions with a number of development partners focusing on the need to galvanize support for the Liberian Police.
Those he met include, the Representatives of Nigeria, Germany, Argentina, Sweden Malaysia, Republic of South Korea among others. He described the meetings as constructive and promising
For his part, the UN Secretary-General, Ban Kin Moon in a video message expressed thanks to the UN Police for contributing to the Rule of Law, peace and stability.
He said that he has seen the difference being made around the world by the brave men and women in establishing the rule of law and paving the way for peace and sustainable development.
These, he said are happening on a daily basis in some of the challenging situations on earth. He pointed out that the UN Police protect community, bring stability as well as restore confidence.
“The UNCOPS is a tremendous opportunity and a chance to meet the security threats in today’s volatile global context.
The UN boss then expressed thanks to the UNCOPS and urged them to work for a safer and more secure world for all.
This extraordinary summit of the global Police Chiefs, according to the organizers, aimed at charting the way forward for the UN Police to deliver greater impact on the ground while tackling the policing challenges of the twenty-first century.
Abu Kamara, Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs; Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations