The Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs the Minister of information, culture Affairs and Tourism, says the lack of adequate and effective training for state security personnel could be a recipe for problems and a setback to peace and security in our sub-region.
Jalarwah A.Tonpo said as the 2023 legislative and Presidential elections draw near, there are visible early warning signs that the Commission on Small Arms must not renege on going after people in possession of illegal arms.
He made the remarks yesterday at the opening of five-day training in Physical Security and Stockpile Management (PSSM) for state security personnel with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) which kicked off in Monrovia.
The initiative hosted by the National Commission on Small Arms seeks to improve Liberia’s national capacity to prevent version of small arms and light weapons and as well reduce the possibility of risk to communities from intention explosions through more responsible practices.
Addressing the opening ceremony on behalf of Ledgerhood Julius Rennie, the Minister of information, culture Affairs and Tourism, Tonpo said PSSM programs help to prevent tragedies by keeping ammunition and weapons in safe and secure storage areas.
“We must not allow the multiple functions of small arms to be missed used. Those who are authorized to use them for the security of the state must be allowed to use them wisely and not to intimidate the citizens or as a source of causing collateral damage. We must not allow small arms to be used to induce fear and commit crimes,” the Deputy Minister insisted.
He then encouraged that participants that it is not a day’s event that makes one to become an expert instead, it is process that requires restless days and sleepless nights, adding, “Hence, I asked that you be more focused in this training as Liberia and the government is counting on you in this sector.”
He reiterated that the training provided to security personnel will go a long way in boosting the security sector adding, “I like to assure you that the Government of Liberia is in full support of this initiative; an initiative that will enhance the already technical know-how of our security to save guard government’s stockpile from falling in the wrong hands or getting diverted into the black market.”
“The government trust you and your team ability to back up the effort of the security sector by making sure the illegal handling of small arms and light weapons are uncompromisingly dealt with,” Tonpo stressed.
He expressed Liberia’s gratitude to ECOWAS and its international partners for their support noting that the Government of Liberia under the watch of President George M. Weah takes serious interest in the security of the citizens and the state.