He noted that the UNMIL drawdown poses a “serious challenge” to government’s effort to improve the security sector to make it more functional and responsive to the security needs of the population.

Justice Minister Sannoh made the call Thursday at the headquarters o the Liberia National Police (LNP) during the turning over of 16 Japanese Government-donated jeeps to the Police and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).

Sannoh said strengthening the national security apparatus will require additional funding as security personnel will be deployed into areas where the drawdown will take place.

The Justice Minister commended the Japanese Government for the donation, and recounted that Japan’s assistance to Liberia dates back to the 1970’s when they constructed the Japanese hospital followed by other goodwill provisions.

Meanwhile, Sannoh has warned the LNP and BIN against misusing the vehicles, stressing, “If these vehicles are properly taken care of it is possible that there would be another donation more than this.”
LINA RD/TSS/PTK