MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued Executive Order #141, mandating the registration of all civilian-owned firearms in Liberia. The Executive Mansion, in a press release issued on Monday, February 24, 2025, stated that the order responds to growing national security threats posed by illicit firearms, including military-style weapons, which have fueled a surge in armed violence, robberies, and other criminal activities.
The proliferation of unregulated small arms is seen as a significant threat to Liberia’s peace, security, and economic development. With this new directive, all civilians possessing military-style weapons or single-barrel guns are required to register their firearms and obtain a permit and license from the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP). The registration process must be completed within 12 months from the effective date of the order.
The Executive Order outlines stringent measures aimed at curbing the illegal circulation of firearms. These include the mandatory registration of all civilian-owned weapons, the marking and recording of registered firearms in the national database for traceability, and the voluntary surrender of unauthorized or illicit arms. Civilians found in possession of unregistered firearms after the registration period face administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution.
According to the Executive Mansion, this order aligns with Liberia’s obligations under international and regional arms control agreements. Specifically, the government cites commitments under the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with LiNCA, will be responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Executive Order. They will work closely with county and district authorities to ensure comprehensive compliance across the country. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, along with international development partners, is expected to support the operational plan to implement the directive effectively.
President Boakai’s administration has emphasized the importance of securing state-owned firearms through improved inspection and stockpile management. This latest measure extends those efforts to the civilian population, aiming to prevent unauthorized use of firearms and mitigate security risks posed by unregulated weapons.
The Executive Order also encourages the voluntary surrender of illicit or homemade firearms to LiNCA for evaluation and potential registration. Authorities warn that failure to comply with the registration process could result in legal action, as the government moves to enforce stricter arms control policies.
Security experts have long raised concerns about the ease with which unregistered firearms circulate within Liberia, arguing that the lack of regulation has contributed to rising criminal activities. The Boakai administration’s decision to enforce firearm registration is viewed as a significant step toward strengthening national security and enhancing public safety.
The Executive Mansion called on all firearm holders to comply with the order within the specified timeframe, emphasizing that the success of this initiative depends on public cooperation. Officials believe that the comprehensive registration and tracking of firearms will help authorities investigate crimes more effectively and reduce the overall level of armed violence.
As the Executive Order takes immediate effect, the government is expected to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public about the registration process and legal requirements. Both local and international observers will be watching closely to assess the effectiveness of this measure in curbing the spread of illicit firearms and improving public security.
The Boakai administration has positioned this Executive Order as a critical component of its broader strategy to address crime and enhance stability in Liberia. By mandating the registration of civilian firearms, the government aims to reinforce the rule of law while safeguarding peace and security throughout the country.
