MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued Executive Order No. 162, extending the mandatory registration of firearms in civilian possession, as part of intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and strengthen national security.
The Executive Order underscores growing concerns within government over the widespread circulation of illicit firearms and ammunition, which authorities say continue to fuel armed robbery, violence, and insecurity across the country.
According to the order, the government has observed a “high rate of possession of illicit firearms and ammunition,” including military-style weapons, being circulated within Liberia and across its borders—posing a serious threat to peace, security, and economic stability.
The President emphasized that despite previous interventions, the unregulated possession and use of small arms and light weapons remain a major risk to Liberia’s fragile post-war stability.
Legal Backing and Enforcement
The order draws on provisions of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, which provides for administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution for individuals found in violation after the expiration of the stipulated registration period.
Authorities warned that failure to comply with the registration requirements could result in legal consequences, including prosecution under existing laws governing illegal possession and use of firearms.
The Executive Order also aligns with Liberia’s commitments under regional and international frameworks, including the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which seeks to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons across West Africa.
Government Mobilization
To ensure full implementation, the President has mandated key government institutions to collaborate closely.
The Ministry of Justice, working alongside the Liberia National Commission on Arms and with support from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and development partners, has been tasked with advancing the operational plan for enforcement.
Additionally, the Ministry of Local Government, as well as county and district authorities, have been instructed to support the nationwide implementation of the directive.
Addressing Root Causes of Violence
The Executive Order highlights the broader implications of illegal arms proliferation, linking it to violent crimes, including armed robbery and gender-based violence, as well as its impact on national development.
Officials noted that the continued circulation of weapons undermines public safety, disrupts livelihoods, and threatens Liberia’s hard-earned peace following years of civil conflict.
The government also acknowledged ongoing efforts to control state-owned arms, including improved marking and record-keeping, regular inspections of armories, and the destruction of seized and voluntarily surrendered weapons.
Immediate Effect
The Executive Order took immediate effect upon issuance in March 2025, reinforcing the urgency of the government’s response to the security threat.
With the extension now in place, authorities are urging all individuals in possession of firearms to comply with the registration process, as part of a broader national effort to reduce violence and promote stability.
The move signals a renewed push by the Boakai administration to tighten control over arms within Liberia, while strengthening institutional coordination and enforcement mechanisms.
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