By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has commenced a week-long training workshop for over 30 officers of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) in preparation for deployment to United Nations peacekeeping missions in 2024.
The workshop, held in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), focuses on operational readiness and capacity building for officers engaged in peacekeeping duties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Khalid Zine, Senior Programme Specialist of UNITAR’s Division for Peace, highlighted the importance of the training.
“We are here today to honor a request from the Liberian Police to UNITAR to support their efforts in operational readiness,” he said. “Liberia is expanding its role in global peacekeeping, and this workshop represents an important step in strengthening its capacity to contribute to international stability.”
Zine emphasized UNITAR’s commitment to assisting member states in navigating the complexities of the UN’s administrative, logistical, and operational processes.
“We are pleased to open this line of communication and cooperation with Liberia to respond to the need for FPU training and capacity building,” he added.
He further expressed gratitude to the LNP for their warm welcome, saying, “Before we proceed, let me thank the Liberian National Police for hosting us here in Monrovia and opening their doors to this new partnership with the United Nations. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration this week and in the future.”
Deputy Inspector General, William Mulbah, speaking on behalf of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, also addressed the gathering.
He conveyed the Inspector General’s apologies for his absence, explaining that Coleman was invited as a guest speaker at a university outside the state.
“The UN has always supported our training, ensuring we are prepared before deployment. This workshop is another critical step in equipping our officers with the necessary skills for their roles in peacekeeping missions,” Mulbah said.
He noted the significance of the training, particularly for the Specialized Border Unit (SBU), which requires additional training and logistical support for effective deployment.
Reflecting on recent developments, Mulbah mentioned the August exchange program in Rwanda, where the LNP met with the Inspector General of Police in Rwanda and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing training collaboration.
“With the MOU in place, we are building capacity for future deployments, ensuring that our officers are well-prepared and equipped to handle the demands of peacekeeping operations,” he added.
The training underscores Liberia’s commitment to supporting global peacekeeping initiatives and strengthening its role in post-conflict stabilization.
Participants were urged to fully engage with the workshop’s contents to maximize their impact in future assignments.
“For more information and resources, I encourage all participants to focus on the knowledge shared during this workshop. This is an invaluable opportunity to prepare for the challenges ahead,” Mulbah concluded.
The training workshop is part of a broader effort by the LNP and UNITAR to enhance Liberia’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions, building on years of collaboration and mutual support.
