The Inquirer (Monrovia)
12 December 2005
The ambassador of Sierra Leone to Liberia, Patrick J. Foyah has sent out a passionate appeal to Liberians who are still in possession of small arms and light weapons to surrender same to the UNDP Small Arms Control Department for the safety of this nation.
Amb. Foyah further called on those in possession of such arms to turn in their arms and start rebuilding Liberia, because as he put it, "when this happens, Liberians will be guaranteed peace and the nation will prosper." The Sierra Leonean Ambassador made the statement of appeal over the weekend in Sinkor at the climax of a two-day UNDP sponsored small arms workshop.
Addressing the topic "Arms for Development: The Case of Sierra Leone", Amb. Foyah recalled that at the official conclusion of the rebel conflict in Sierra Leone in January 2002, about 70,000 ex-combatants were disarmed, demobilized and reintegrated, but with the full cooperation of the Sierra Leonean Government and citizens, the country was ridded of SALW by the UNDP and they benefited with series of development projects for various community.
According to him, in Sierra Leone, the combination of the DD program, the Community Arms Collection and Destruction Program and the Arms for Development Initiative by UNDP have not only enhanced the sense of security but has also increased the much needed development, particularly in local communities.
Amb. Foyah continued that with sincere efforts and total commitment, the Sierra Leoneans succeeded and so, he is convinced that with similar effort and commitment, Liberians can do likewise.
For his part, UNDP country Director Steven Ursino also challenged Liberians to work in oneness and make the country free of small arms.
He later called on Liberians to emanate the examples of Sierra Leone and turn in their arms and gain development in return, "with the support of UNDP, let us make Liberia free of arms and build this nation," he said and added that UNDP will support whatever program the communities will identify in return of the arms.
The UNDP small Arms Control Programme two-day media-training workshop on Small Arms Control and the Media was facilitated by UNDP disarmament expert, Napoleon Abdulai and a consultant from Ghana.
The workshop was aimed at promoting awareness and sensitization on the negative impact of illicit small arms in Liberia. The workshop also brought together media practitioners from several media institutions in Monrovia and its environs.
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