MONROVIA, April 8 (LINA) – Justice Minister Benedict Sannoh has assured that the Government of Liberia will ensure that the nation’s peace and security remains uninterrupted when the task of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) ends in June 2016.

 
Sannoh said the comprehensive draw-down plan to take over security responsibility from UNMIL is a holistic approach which includes enhancing training, provision of logistics and measures to strengthen and eradicate national security threats.
 
Speaking at the Ministry of Information daily press conference Wednesday, Sannoh said the government’s plan for UNMIL’s draw-down is driven by principles enshrined in the national security agenda of the country.
 
He said to guarantee a stable post-UNMIL era as well as ensure the building of a peaceful and stable society in Liberia, the draw-down plan places emphasis on efficiency, transparency, accountability, democratic and civilian oversight, respect for the rule of law and human rights.
 
The Attorney General said the plan further seeks to strengthen the link between security and socio-economic development with emphasis on the principles of gender mainstreaming at all levels of the security and justice sectors.
 
Sannoh noted that the nation will also be protected from external threats such as drug trafficking, religious fundamentalism, terrorism and spill-over effects of instability in neighboring counties.
 
Liberia’s preparation of a draw-down plan to take over security responsibility from UNMIL is a result of a request from the U.N. Security Council under Resolution 2190-2014 requesting Liberia to prepare to assume  complete security responsibility not later than June 2016 upon the departure of UNMIL.
LINA