By: Jacqueline L Dennis
As the October 2023 presidential and legislative draw nearer, more needs to be done in the security sector especially with reference to the Liberia National Police (LNP) force that is short in numbers to adequately carry out its constitutional duty to protect lives and properties.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary on Thursday, February 9, 2023, along with the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Patrick Sudue; Col. Robert W. Budy Commissioner General of the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), J. Henrik Pearson, Director of the National Security Agency (NSA); and Marcus D. Zehyoue, Director General of Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA); Justice Minister Frank Musa Dean expressed concerns over the low man power of the security forces, especially the LNP, stating “as it stands there are not less than 4,000 police officers” to protect lives and properties throughout the country.
Minister Dean however, disclosed there are training ongoing for additional man power, but they still need certain number of police officers likely 8000 – 10,000 personnel because in some counties and districts the presence of LNP is limited.
The Justice Minister and heads of the security agencies appearance Thursday before plenary of the Senate was out of concerns raised by that August body regarding the Security Sector as it stands ahead of pending October 2023 elections.
According to Minister Dean, for the pending October elections there are additional men undergoing training, and the security agencies are working with the National Elections Commission (NEC) regarding their respective action plans for the provision of security on, during and after the October 2023 presidential and legislative elections.
Responding to Plenary over reports of missing persons in the country, the Justice Minister said among other things that they are also concerned, adding every time reports spring up about missing person, the police investigate, make arrests where need be and charge suspects to court for trial once compelling evidence is adduced in a given situation regarding the commission of crimes.
Minister Dean noted that investigation at does take a long time in adducing relevant evidence, and this at times make the public to harbor the notion that the security sector is not working, but stated on the contrary that the security sector of the country is working hard to secure and protect lives and properties in keeping within its constitutional mandate.
