The Chairman of the Liberia National Commission on Small Arms (LiNCSA), Atty. Teklo Maxwell Grigsby, has disclosed that the entity is about to engage in a Civilian Arms Registration for hunters to ensurie the control and regulation of both illicit and licit firearms.
Within 180 days, hunters across Liberia will now be made to register their civilian weapons which remain a huge challenge in Liberia, according to the LiNCSA official.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information (MICAT) regular press briefing held in Monrovia on Thursday, Atty. Grigsby stated Illicit and licit firearms need to be combated in order to curb proliferation of small arms and light weapon across the country.
According to him, single barrel guns, which should be used for hunting only by hunters, must be licensed and registered by LiNCSA so that users obtain a permit for legal hunting at a cost of US$50 or its s equivalent to Liberian dollar.
He revealed that LiNCSA is moving the registration to the rural parts where the weapon is frequently used, warning that d “if anyone fails to participate in this process, legal action will be taken against them.”
Grigsby disclosed that LiNCSA has received persistent reports of the misuse of firearms among the civilian population and the increase in trafficking and proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across the country.
Grigsby indicated that LiNCSA is also aware of the porous condition of the borders with neighboring countries which has fuelled the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons in Liberia.
Grigsby indicated that LiNCSA in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP) seeks to ensure that at least 5,000 holders of single barrel guns are registered and licensed nationwide to facilitate tracing and curtail misuse.
