In its strong push to ease the identification and tracking of weapons, the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeNCAA), in partnership with Arms Trade Treaty (ATT),Secretariat held a five day training of 23 Security Personnel both male and female on Weapon Marking Machines.
The training which commenced on Monday 21, July 2025, at the Ministry of Defence, brought together representatives from MDAs, Civil Society Organizations, development partners and technical experts, aimed at training security Personnel on the use of Weapon Marking Machines and to conduct destruction on unserviceable state owned small arms and light weapons.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner on SLeNCAA Major General Rtd. Christian Marah, submitted that the event signifies a shared commitment of their collective effort in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Sierra Leone and by extension the ECOWAS Sub-regions. He said the training also formed part of the marking process which initiate and facilitate the development of the National Arms Register as
mandated in Section 20 of the SLeNCAA Act of 2023. He added, recognizing the effort of their development partners the Arms Trade Treaty, that, the official opening of the training ceremony of security personnel on the marking of weapons by their Supervisory Head and Minister of Internal Affairs, is not only an achievement but a national milestone in the history of the Commission.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, said the proliferation of small arms and light weapons became visible after the eleven years rebel war, adding that to address the menace of this proliferation, the government thought it fit to establish an institution (SLeNCAA), charged with the responsibility to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. While commending the efforts of the Commissioner and his staff, for their contribution to national security since its establishment, he cited that the official opening of the training of security personnel is a testament of the Commission’s quest to contribute meaningfully to regional and international peace, security, development and the enhancement of national capacity. He assured the Commission of his Ministry’s unflinching support in doing all in his capacity to ensure they actualize their mandate and operationalize their strategies, despite the challenges.
He specifically recognised and appreciate on behalf of His Excellency the President Brig Rtd Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone the unyielding commitment of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), in helping to keep the world safe, with their sponsored project for the destruction of close to four thousand unserviceable weapons across the country, which has been successfully implemented, assuring them of their continued leadership and commitment to the ATT. He also extended special recognition to Madam Florella Hazeley, the Director of Sierra Leone Action on Small Arms for being very supportive to the Commission.
Concluding he assured the attendees of his Ministry’s support to ensuring that peace and stability reign in the Country, and the lives and property of everyone is protected and secured. Meanwhile, he entreated the trainees to be attentive and take the training seriously, while encouraging and thanking the trainers for impacting their knowledge and contributing to one of Government Flagship Agenda – the Human Capital Development.
A Representative from the Voluntary Trust Fund, of Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat, Madam Yoko Owatac, firstly appreciated the Commision and their partners for their dedication and commitment in making the initiative possible, as the training is more than a technical session and it is a vital investment for national and future security. She disclosed that Sierra Leone has been a shining star of the VTF training impacts
which reflects their continous leadership in responsible management and conventional arts. She stressed the need for the training as important, as it will help them mark the weapons precisely, noting that it will eventually help them to also prevent diversion, support investigations and ultimately save lives. She closed, averring the VTF Secretariat continued support for Sierra Leone through the membership of the ATT.
Accordingly, a member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on SLeNCAA also briefed attendees on the gains made so far with regards to combating the proliferation on arms and ammunitions, adding that the training will strengthen the capacity of the security forces.
Meanwhile, other Representatives from the SLP, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence among others, whose presence was of deep national commitment also made significant statements in the effective handling and use of weapons marking machines. They noted that one of the problematic issues confronting nations state and security threats in recent times is the proliferation of arms and ammunitions.
The pinpointed the fact that, security is very important and SLeNCAA plays a very vital role in the nations security, as marking of weapons is a significant Pillar that also strengthens the security of the state.
Credit: Ministry of Internal Affairs Communications Unit
