The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Consolidation of Democratic Governance, Aeneas Chuma, has reassured Liberians that UNMIL will continue to work with Liberian authorities to strengthen the security sector institutions in the country.

The UN envoy was speaking at the hand-over on 24 September of the first Liberia National Police Regional Training Centre in Harper, a project funded by the Norwegian Government, jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Mission in Liberia.

While turning over the facility, DSRSG Chuma stressed the importance of maintaining law and order in fostering growth and development at all levels. “Security is extremely important, particularly now, when UNMIL, after ten years, is drawing down. But the draw down will be done responsibly through joint operations with Liberian authorities so that the institutions of Liberia assume their rightful responsibility in maintaining law and order,” Chuma said.

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Rule of Law, Tamrat Samuel, emphasized building well-trained and accountable law enforcement agencies is fundamental to Liberia’s ongoing development. He urged the LNP leadership to optimally utilize the new facility and to further develop their programmes in line with the capacity gaps identified in the Joint LNP-UNMIL baseline capacity assessment. DSRSG Samuel pointed out that while providing the necessary financial resources for the security sector is fundamentally a national responsibility, with the serious revenue constraints the government faces, the support of international partners will be needed for a number of years to come. 

“UN Family will continue to support   the Government of Liberia, including LNP and other law enforcement agencies, in the promotion of the rule of law and to ensure the protection of communities,” Samuel said.

Representing the Ambassador of Norway, Counsellor Rasmussen Fred highlighted the role of police in maintaining order in society especially during the transition as UNMIL draws down. He said that Norway was very pleased to support rule of law and human rights promotion in the country.

LNP Inspector-General Clarence Massaquoi pointed out that the establishment of the training facility in Maryland was part of the decentralization of capacity building programmes to benefit the security sector in Liberia. He said the Government of Liberia had a target to train 8,000 security officers during the drawdown. “You can rest assured that our target will be met before the drawdown of UNMIL. Thanks so much to the Norway Government,” he said.

The ceremony was also attended by, among others, the ambassadors of Nigeria and South Africa.