Civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the security and peacebuilding sector have called on the Ministry of the Interior to suspend its directive revoking all civilian firearms licences, describing the decision as rash, problematic and unfair to law-abiding gun owners.
At a press conference, the CSOs argued that the blanket revocation lacked due administrative process and sufficient legal backing. They maintained that licensed firearm holders who complied with the country’s rigorous licensing procedures have been unfairly affected by the directive.
According to the groups, the decision has left legitimate firearms owners vulnerable, as they can no longer rely on their legally acquired weapons for self-defence in the event of an attack.
The CSOs further called on government to expedite the passage of a comprehensive Firearms Bill to replace the existing legislation, which they say no longer reflects current security realities and international best practices.
They also urged the Interior Ministry to publish clear guidelines outlining the process for reapplying for firearms licences, including the requirements, timelines and associated costs.
The organizations stressed that the country’s gun-related crimes are largely committed with illegally acquired weapons rather than licensed firearms. They therefore appealed to government to intensify efforts to identify and remove illegal firearms from circulation instead of imposing blanket measures on lawful licence holders.
The CSOs warned that the directive has created uncertainty and anxiety among legitimate firearm owners and called on the Ministry of the Interior to address the concerns within one month.
Executive Director of the Jatikay Centre for Human Security and Peace Building, Adib Saani, made the appeal while addressing the media on behalf of the coalition of security and peacebuilding organizations.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
