Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian National Commission on Arms (LINCA) has announced severe penalties, including a 10-year prison sentence, for individuals who fail to register their firearms under Executive Order No. 141.
LINCA Chairperson Mr. James M. Fromayan emphasized that the order, which took effect on February 24, 2025, provides a one-year window for civilians to legalize their firearms. The deadline expires in 2026, after which unregistered gun owners will face full legal consequences.
“This initiative is critical for public security and offers a clear legal pathway for responsible gun ownership,” Fromayan stated. “All firearms in civilian hands must be properly documented and regulated”
Cross-Agency Collaboration for Enforcement
The registration process follows months of preparation, including: Formation of a technical committee with security experts, Coordination with the Liberia National Police (LNP), National Security Agency (NSA), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Ministry of Justice, and Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
Fromayan linked the measure to ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms which Liberia ratified in 2012 to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons fueling regional instability.
“Unregulated firearms pose a major challenge, many are acquired illegally, and we lack accurate records,” he said. He reminded citizens of Liberia’s 14-year civil war, worsened by illicit arms, urging compliance to prevent history from repeating.
Legal Framework & Achievements
Liberia has strengthened its firearms laws, including:
the 2015 Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, amended in 2022, marking and digital tracking of state-owned weapons, and training programs for arms managers and security personnel.
