PHOTO: Special Agent, Tyler Dufffy, LNP IG Gregory Coleman & James Fromayan
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com.
The Liberia National Commission on Arms in collaboration with the Liberia National Police has officially presented certificates to the United States for its diplomatic securities to be issued firearms for the protection of its diplomats on official duties in the country.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Chairman of the commission, James Fromayan disclosed that that this is the very first time his institution is doing for a foreign mission.
According to him, it’s a pleasing duty to witness the signing of permits of these certificates by the Liberia National Police and the Liberia National Commission on Arms to be given to the United States Embassy.
He added that the US Embassy has met all of the requirements including the training of these diplomatic securities at the Liberia National Police Training Academy
Mr. Fromayam noted that efforts are underway to seek permission from the Executive Mansion for all those who are still in possession arms illegally to be given three to surround them.
According to the National Arms Commission Chairman, following the approval, after three months all those who will be found illegally possessing arms will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Also speaking, the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Colonel Gregory Coleman, described the certification of the United States Embassy to provide arms its diplomatic securities as a milestone in the post-war history in the country.
He pointed out that the first commissioning of authorization of firearms for a foreign mission is an indication of progress, adding: “it is our hope that we will work together with the commission so as to trash out any other issues of firearms in the country and come out with a remedy in order to have some level of control.”
The Liberian Police IG continued: “Because if we deceive ourselves thinking there is no illegal weapons in non-state actors’ hands, we will be waking with some surprises soon,” Colonel Coleman said; saying: “over the last few years, we have seen couple of different firearms permits being issued by different agency to people which is a clear indication that illegal weapons are in the country.”
“We will be making recommendations to government regarding as to how we intend to get some level control by giving a timeframe and asking people to bring them in for marking and identification; because, as long as we have not had any licensed firearms importer; then, how did the person gets it?” he asked.
“Obviously,” the police went on, “that weapon came through an illegal manner because, all our weapons came through the US Embassy or through an official purchase means by different protocol,” IG Coleman explained
The LNP Inspector General re-affirmed his commitment to the safety, security of the state and promised to work with the commission According to Inspector General Coleman, the Liberia National Police will be prepared at any time to assist the Liberia National Commission on Arms in weeding the country out of illegal weapons
Receiving the certificates on behalf of the United States Embassy, a Special Agent of the Regional Security Office, Tyler Daffy, thanked the Liberia National Commission on Arms and the Liberia National Police for their cooperation
During the program, three diplomatic security officers, who were trained at the Liberia National Police Training Academy, were certificated to be legally arm carrier at the United States Embassy