MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has signed Executive Order #141, making firearm registration mandatory in Liberia as part of efforts to strengthen national security and curb armed violence. The Executive Mansion announced the measure in a statement released on its official website on February 24, 2025.
According to the statement, the order comes in response to increasing security threats posed by illicit firearms, including military-style weapons, which have been linked to rising cases of armed robbery and violent crime. “The proliferation of unregulated small arms poses significant risks to Liberia’s peace, security, and economic development,” the statement read.
The order mandates all individuals possessing military-style weapons and single-barrel guns to register them within 12 months through the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) and the Liberia National Police (LNP). It warns that failure to comply will result in serious legal consequences, including administrative sanctions and criminal prosecution. “After the stipulated registration period, anyone found in possession of an unregistered firearm will be subject to the full weight of the law,” the statement emphasized.
In addition to mandatory registration, all legally registered firearms will be marked and recorded in a national database to improve traceability. The government is also encouraging individuals in possession of illicit or unauthorized weapons, including craft weapons and military-grade arms, to voluntarily surrender them to LiNCA for processing and possible registration.
The Executive Mansion further noted that this measure aligns with Liberia’s commitments under international and regional arms control agreements, such as the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons. The government has also strengthened the security of state-owned weapons through improved marking, inspection, and stockpile management.
The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with LiNCA, will oversee the enforcement of the order, working with county and district authorities to ensure full compliance. The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, alongside development partners, is expected to support the operational plan for implementation.
“This Executive Order takes immediate effect, and we urge all firearm holders to comply within the given timeframe to contribute to a safer and more secure Liberia,” the statement concluded.
