The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeNCAA), in partnership with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, held a five-day training of 23 Security personnel on Weapon Marking Machines.
The training, commenced on Monday, 21 July 2025, at the Ministry of Defense, which 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 of unserviceable state-owned small arms and light weapons.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of SLeNCAA, Major General Rtd. Christian Marah submitted that the event signifies a shared commitment to 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 initiates and facilitates the development of the National Arms Register as Mandated in Section 20 of the SLeNCAAAct 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.
He further recognised 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 to 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 appreciate on behalf of His Excellency the President 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.
A Representative from the Voluntary Trust Fund of Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat, Madam Yoko Owatac, firstly appreciated the Commission 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
Representatives from the SLP, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Defense, among others, shared their commitment and made significant statements on the effective handling and use of weapons marking machines.
They noted that one of the problematic issues confronting a nation’s state and security threats in recent times is the proliferation of arms and ammunition.
