Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698845193895.pdf (Sierra Leone)
BILL ii Supplement to the Sierra Leone Gazette Vol.

CXLXII, No.

36 dated 8th July, 2021 THE SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL COMMISSIONON ON ARMS ACT, 2021 ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART I –PRELIMINARY Section 1.

Interpretation.

PART II–ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION 2.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms.

3.

Appointment of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

4.

Tenure of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

5.

Functions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

6.
6.

Remuneration of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

7.

Other staff of Commission.

8.

Consultants and experts.

9.

Independence of Commission.

PART III - ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

10.

Advisory Committee.

PART IV–FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 11.

Funds of Commission.

12.

Accounts and audit of Commission.

13.

Financial year of Commission.

14.

Annual report.

PART V –FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.

15.

Functions of Commission.

16.

National Register of Arms.

17.

Registrar of Arms.


PART VI –LICENSING OF ARMS.

18.

Prohibition of use, etc., of arms, etc.

19.

Revocation of licence.

20.

Duty to report loss of licence.

21.

Replacement of licence.

22.

Deposit of arm to National Arms Registry.

PART VII - TRANSFER OF ARMS FROM, TO OR THROUGH SIERRA LEONE.

23.

Licence to transfer arm from, to or through Sierra Leone.

24.

Registrar not to issue licence to transfer arm.

25.

Refusal of application to transfer arm.

26.

Brokering.
26.

Brokering.

PART VIII–MANUFACTURE AND SALE WITHIN SIERRA LEONE 27.

Licence to manufacture or sell arm within Sierra Leone.

28.

Refusal of application to manufacture.

29.

Revocation of licence.

30.

Marking of arms.

31.

Marking of ammunition.

32.

Obliteration.

33.

Manufacturer to keep record.

PART IX-MISCELLANEOUS 34.

Regulations.

35.

Repeal and saving.

No.

2021 Sierra Leone A BILL ENTITLED The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act, 2021 Short title.
Being an Act to repeal and replace the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms Act, 2010 (Act No.6 of 2010), to provide for the continuing in existence of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms; to regulate and supervise the manufacture, trade and use of arms, ammunition and other related materials and to provide for other related matters.

[ ] ENACTED by the President and Members of Parliament in this present Parliament assembled.
Date of com- mencement.

2 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 3 Interpretation.

PART I – PRELIMINARY 1.
In this Act unless the context otherwise requires - "Advisory Committee" means the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Advisory Committee established under section 10; "arms" include conventional arms such as battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers, their ammunition and other related materials; "Chairman" means the Chairman of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Advisory Committee appointed under subsection (2) of section10; "Commission" means the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms referred to in section 2; "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms appointed under section 3; "Convention" means the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunitions and Other Related Materials, done at Abuja, on 14th June, 2006; "Deputy Commissioner" means the Deputy Commissioner of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms appointed under section 3; "ECOWAS" means the Economic Community of West African States comprising Heads of State and Government of the Member States to the Convention; and "marking" means inscriptions permitting the identification of arms covered by this Act and the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons; "Minister" means the Minister of Internal Affairs.
"National Arms Register" means the National Arms Register referred to in section 16; "other related materials" means all components, parts or spare parts for arms or ammunition necessary for its functioning or any chemical substance serving as active material used as propelling or explosive agent; "public, private or restricted place" means a place designated as a public place, private place or restricted place as the case may be; "Registrar" means the Registrar of Arms referred to in section 17; and "transfer" includes import, export, transit, trans- shipment and transport or any other movement whatsoever of arms, ammunition and other related materials from, to or through Sierra Leone.
PART II–ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION 2.

(1) There shall continue in existence, the body known as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms.


(2) The Commission shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and capable of acquiring, holding and disposing of property, whether movable or immovable, of suing and being sued in its corporate name and, subject to this Act, of performing all such acts as bodies corporate may by law perform.

4 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 5 (3) The Commission shall have a seal, the use of which 5.

(1) The Commissioner shall be responsible for - shall be authenticated by the signatures of - Functions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

the Commissioner; the Deputy Commissioner, or (a) (b) (c) any other officer of the Commission authorised, either generally or specifically, by the Commission in that behalf.
(4) A document purporting to be an instrument executed or issued by or on behalf of the Commission and to be sealed with the common seal authenticated in the manner stated in subsection (3) shall be deemed to be so executed or issued without further proof unless the contrary is proved.

(5) In appropriate cases the common seal of the Commission may be affixed to documents outside Sierra Leone.

Appointment of Commissi- oner and Deputy Commissioner.

3.
3.

The Commission shall have a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner both of whom shall be appointed by the President, from among persons with the professional and other qualifications relevant to the functions of the Commission, subject to the approval of Parliament.

Tenure of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

4.

(1) The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner shall each hold office for a term of 5 years and shall be eligible for re- appointment for a further term of 5 years only.
(2) The Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner may be removed from office by the President only for inability to perform the functions of his office, whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or for stated misconduct.

(3) The Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner may resign hisoffice by written notice addressed to the President.
(4) A resignation notice submitted by the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner is effective upon being received by the President or by a person authorised by the President to receive it.
(a) the day-to-day administration of the Commission; (b) management of funds and other property of the Commission; (c) implementing the policies of the Advisory Committee and carrying out the functions of the Commission; (d) the supervision and discipline of the other staff of the Commission; and (e) perform such other functions as are conducive to the attainment of the object of the Commission.
(2) The Deputy Commissioner shall, subject to the approval of the President, perform the functions of the Commissioner, whenever the Commissioner is absent on leave and in the absence of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the President may appoint a senior officer of the Commission to perform the functions of the Commissioner.

6.
6.

The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner shall be entitled to such salaries, allowances and other benefits as may be determined by the President subject to the approval of Parliament, but such salaries, allowances and other benefits shall not be varied to their disadvantage.

Remuneration of Commiss- ioner and Deputy Commissioner.

7.
7.

(1) In addition to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the Commission shall have such other staff, including a Finance Officer, Internal Auditor, Administrative Officer and such other additional technical and administrative staff, as may be required for the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.

Other staff of Commiss- ion.

6 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 7 (2) The staff of the Commission shall be appointed by the Commissioner, subject to such terms and conditions as the Advisory Committee shall determine.

Consultants and experts.

8.

The Commissioner may, subject to the approval of the Advisory Committee engage the services of such consultants or experts as it may consider necessary for the proper and efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.

Independence of Commiss- ion.

9.


In the performance of its functions under this Act, the Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

PART III –SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ARMS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Advisory Committee.

10.


(1) The Commission shall have an advisory committee to be known as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Advisory Committee which shall be the governing body of the Commission, vested, subject to this Act, the supervision of the Commission.

(2) The Advisory Committee shall, in addition to its functions under subsection (1), be responsible to - (a) advise the Commission on any aspect of the mandate and functions of the Commission; and (b) assess the work of the Commission.
(3) The Advisory Committee shall consist of a Chairman who shall be appointed by the President subject to the approval of Parliament and the following other members - (a) a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, not below the rank of Director; (b) a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; (c) a representative of the Ministry of Local Government, not below the rank of Deputy Secretary; (d) a representative of the Ministry of Finance, not below the rank of Director; (e) a representative of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; (f) a representative of the Sierra Leone Police, not below the rank of Chief Superintendent; (g) a representative of the Attorney-General's Office not below the rank of Principal State Counsel; (h) a representative of the National Revenue Authority (Customs & Excise) not below the rank of Principal Collector; (i) a representative of the Office of National Security not below the rank of Director; (j) a representative of the Civil Society of Sierra Leone appointed by the Coalition of Civil Society Movements in Sierra Leone; (k) a representative of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs appointed by that body; (l) a representative of the National Youth Commission appointed by that body; 8 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 9 (m) a representative of the Women's Forum of Sierra Leone appointed by that body; and (n) the Commissioner, who shall be secretary to the Committee.

(4) The Chairman shall hold office for a term of 5 years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a further term of 5 years only.

PART IV–FINANCIAL PROVISIONS Funds of Commission.

11.
11.

(1) The activities of the Commission shall be financed by funds consisting of - (a) moneys appropriated from time to time by Parliament for the purposes of the Commission; (b) moneys given to the Commission by way of gifts, endowments, bequests, grants or other contributions by persons and organisations for the purposes of the Commission; and (c) any other moneys which may, from time to time, accrue to the Commission.
(2) The funds of the Commission shall be applied only for thepurposes of the approved budget of the Commission.

Accounts and audit of Commission.

12.


(1) The Commission shall keep proper books of account and other records in relation to the activities, property and finances of the Commission in a form approved by the Auditor-General, and shall prepare in respect of each financial year of the Commission a financial statement which shall include - (a) balance sheet accounts; (b) income and expenditure accounts; and (c) source and application of funds.
(2) The accounts of the Commission kept under subsection (1) shall, not later than 2 months after the end of each financial year, be audited by the Auditor-General or an auditor appointed by him.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the Auditor General or the auditor appointed by him shall be entitled to have access to all books of account, vouchers and other financial records of the Commission and to require such information and explanation thereon as he may think fit.
(4) The Commission shall provide the Auditor-General or the auditor appointed by him with all necessary and appropriate facilities for the examination of the accounts and records of the Commission.
(5) The Auditor-General or the auditor appointed by him shall submit to the Commission a report on the audited accounts and the financial statements referred to in subsection (1) and shall, in his report draw attention to - (a) irregularities in the accounts; (b) matters that are likely to adversely affect the operations of the Commission; and (c) any other matter which, in his opinion, ought to be brought to the notice of the Commission.

13.
13.

The financial year of the Commission shall be the same as the financial year of the Government.

14.

(1) The Commission shall, within 3 months after the end of the financial year, submit to the Minister a report on the performance of its functions during that year and on its policy and programmes.

Financial year of Commission.

Annual report.

10 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 11 (2) The annual report shall include the accounts and annual financial statement prepared under section 12 and the report of the audit thereon.

(3) The Minister shall lay copies of the annual report before Parliament within 30 days after he has received the report.

(4) The Commission shall make copies of the report available to all stakeholders once it has been laid before Parliament.

PART V - FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.

Functions of Commiss- ion.


15.

(1) The object for which the Commission is established is to regulate and supervise the manufacture, trade and use of arms, ammunition and other related materials.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Commission shall be responsible to- (a) set programmes of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit manufacture, trade and use of arms in all its aspects; (b) educate and sensitize the public and provide information on the dangers associated with the illicit manufacture, trade and use of arms; (c) ensure that obligations under the ECOWAS Convention are complied with; (d) establish and maintain an Arms Register for the transmission to the ECOWAS Secretariat; (e) provide appropriate recommendation to the ECOWAS Secretariat on exemptions to be granted under the Convention; (f) mobilize resources for programme activities of the Commission; (g) advise the Minister on the formulation of policies and strategies as contained in the Convention and any other relevant international conventions to which Sierra Leone is a party; and (h) perform any other functions related to the object of the Commission.
16.

(1) There shall be a National Register of Arms kept by the Commissioner who shall also be the Registrar of Arms.

National Registero f Arms.

(2) The National Register of Arms shall be in such form as may be prescribed and in which shall be recorded, information relating to the transfer, manufacture, sale, possession and use of arms.
(3) Information relating to arms recorded in the National Register of Arms under subsection (2) shall comprise - (a) a description of the type or model, calibre and quantity of each batch; (b) details relating to marking; (c) names and addresses of former and current owners and, where applicable, successive owners; and (d) date of registration.

17.
17.

(1) The Commissioner and Registrar of Arms shall be responsible to record in the National Register of Arms or cause to be recorded and permanently keep, information relating to the transfer, manufacture, sale, possession and use of record information relating to the transfer, manufacture, sale, possession and use of arms.

Registrar of Arms.

12 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 13 Prohibition of use, etc., of arms, etc.

PART VI - LICENSING OF ARMS 18.

(1) A person shall not have arms, ammunitions and other related materials in his possession, custody or control unless on a valid licence issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person shall not have arms, ammunitions and other related materials in his possession, custody or control in a public place, private place or restricted place unless he is an authorised armed officer on duty.

(3) A person who wishes to own, keep or control arms, ammunitions and other related materials shall make an application, in writing, to the Commissioner for a licence for that purpose.
(4) The Commissioner may upon receipt of an application under subsection (2), issue a licence to the applicant, if he is satisfied that the applicant - (a) is above the age of 21years; (b) has not been convicted of a crime of violence to the person, drug trafficking or human trafficking; (c) does not have a history of family violence, whether or not it resulted in a criminal conviction; (d) is medically certified as mentally fit; (e) is physically fit; (f) has a record of good behaviour duly testified by a person of note in his community, and in the case of an applicant in the Provinces, by the Paramount Chief of the Chiefdom to which the application relates; (g) has been cleared, by both the Sierra Leone Police and the Office of National Security, as a fit and proper person to be issued a licence to possess arm; (h) intends to use arm for hunting, whether professionally, for sport or pleasure or that the applicant has a legitimate reason to possess, carry or use arm; (i) has undergone safety and competency training as may be prescribed by the Registrar; (j) has proof that the arm will be stored in a safe place and separately from its ammunition; (h) will not endanger public safety or public interest; (i) has paid the prescribed fees.
(5) A licence issued under subsection (3), shall - (a) be in such form as may be prescribed and shall specify- (i) the conditions and restrictions subject to which the licence is held; (ii) the nature and number or other identification marks on the arm; (iii) the quantity of ammunition authorised to be held at any one time; and (iv) such other matters as may be prescribed; 14 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 15 (b) unless revoked or cancelled, be valid for a period of 24 months from the date on which it was issued and may be renewed by the Registrar on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

21.
21.

The Commissioner may, after being satisfied as to the loss, destruction or misplacement of a licence issued to an applicant under subsection (3) of section 18, issue another licence, subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed in replacement thereof, upon the payment of the prescribed fee.

Replacement of licence.

(6) The particulars of a licence issued or renewed shall be entered in the National Arms Register in such form as may be prescribed.
(7) Where the Commissioner refuses an application under subsection (2), he shall notify the applicant in writing of his decision and state the reason for the refusal.

(8) A person aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner under subsection (7) may appeal to the High Court whose decision shall be final.

22.
22.

(1) A person who is in possession of an arm which - (a) belonged to a deceased person; (b) licence has expired, suspended or revoked; (c) has become unserviceable or that person no longer wishes to retain; or (d) has been found but the owner has not been identified, Deposit of arm to National Arms Registry.

Revocation of licence.

19.


The Commissioner may revoke a licence issued under subsection (3) of section 18 if - shall, within such time as may be prescribed, deposit the arm at the National Arms Registry or the nearest police station.
(a) the licensee is convicted of an offence unde this Act; (b) he is satisfied that the licensee is of intemperate habits, unsound mind or is otherwise unfit to be trusted with arm; or (c) the licensee is convicted of a crime of violence to the person or under investigation for a domestic violence related offence.

Duty to report loss of licence.

20.


Where a licence issued under this Act, is lost or stolen, the holder of the licence shall inform the Commissioner or report to the nearest police station of such loss or theft within 7 days of the discovery of the loss or theft.
(2) An arm which is deposited at the National Arms Registry under paragraph (a) of subsection (1), shall not be released from the National Arms Registry to any person, unless on the written consent of the person administering the estate of that deceased person.

PART VII- TRANSFER OF ARMS FROM, TO OR THROUGH SIERRA LEONE 23.

(1) A person shall not transfer arms or their manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone, except on a valid licence issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.
(2) A person who wishes to transfer arm or their manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone shall make an application, in writing, to the Commissioner for a licence for that purpose.

Licence to transfer arm from, to or through Sierra Leone.

16 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 17 (3) The Commissioner may upon receipt of an application under subsection (2), issue a licence to the applicant, if the application - (4) The particulars of licence issued or refused under this section shall be entered in the National Arms Register and in such form as may be prescribed.
(a) (b) is accompanied by an exemption certificate for arms transfer issued by the Commission; specifies details of the arms to be transferred including details of - (i) the quantity; (ii) type and kind of arms, its serial numbers and other marks; (iii) the supplier; the name, address and other contact details of all companies, individuals, representatives, brokers or agents involved; (iv) the supply process; the number and period of shipments, the routes, transit locations, type of transport to be used, all companies involved in importing, freight forwarding and handling, details of the storage and management of the weapons whilst being transferred; (v) the time period covered by the activity for which the application is made; (vi) the final end user; the name of individual, company, institution or representative responsible; and (c) is accompanied by written confirmation from relevant national authority that the end user is authorised to import arms.
(3) A licence issued under this section shall be valid for a period of 24 months from the date on which it was issued, and may be renewed by the Commissioner on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

24.

Notwithstanding subsection (3) of section 23, the Commissioner shall not issue a licence to transfer arms or their manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone unless - Commissioner not to issue licence to transfer arm.
(a) a written authorisation relating to the export, import, transit, trans-shipment or brokering of the arms or their manufacturing materials has been obtained from all states directly concerned with the transfer; (b) all required information relating to the export, import, transit, trans-shipment or brokering of arms or their manufacturing materials have been supplied to the Commission; (c) (d) the arms or their manufacturing materials have been marked as required under this Act; there is evidence that the arms or their manufacturing materials are not to be used - (i) for the violation of international humanitarian law or infringement of human and peoples' rights and freedoms, or for the purpose of oppression; (ii) for the commission of serious violations of international humanitarian law including, genocide or crimes against humanity and war crimes; 18 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 19 (iii) to worsen the internal situation in the country of final destination, in terms of provoking or prolonging armed conflicts, or aggravating existing tensions; (iv) to carry out terrorist acts or support or encourage terrorism; (v) other than, for the legitimate defence and security needs of the beneficiary country; (vi) to facilitate the commission of violent or organised crime; (vii) to adversely affect regional security; to endanger peace, contribute destabilising uncontrolled or accumulations of arms or military capabilities into a region, or otherwise contribute to regional instability; (viii) to hinder or obstruct sustainable development and unduly divert human and economic resources to armaments, of the states involved in the transfer; (ix) for corrupt practices at any stage, from the supplier, through any middlemen or brokers, to the recipient.
Refusal of application to transfer arm.

25.

(1) Where an application to transfer arm or their manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone is refused, the Commissioner shall notify the applicant stating the reasons for his refusal.

(2) Where an applicant is aggrieved by the decision of the Registrar under subsection (1), he may appeal to the High Court whose decision shall be final.

(1) 26.
(1) 26.

A person, including a company incorporated in Sierra Leone, a financial agent or transportation agent shall not be engaged in the brokering of arms unless he is registered with the Commission.

Brokering.
Brokering.

(2) A person, brokering company or agent registered under subsection (1) shall - (a) obtain a licence for each individual involved transaction in which he irrespective of where the arrangements take place; is (b) provide full disclosure or relevant import or export licences or associated documents, including the names and locations of all brokering and shipping agents involved in the transaction, transit routes and points of shipments.
PART VIII–MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF ARMS WITHIN SIERRA LEONE 27.

(1) A person shall not manufacture or offer for sale arms or their manufacturing materials within Sierra Leone except on a valid licence issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.

(2) A person who wishes to manufacture or offer for sale arms or their manufacturing materials within Sierra Leone shall make an application, in writing, to the Commissioner for a licence for that purpose.

Licence to manufacture or sell arm within Sierra Leone.
20 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.
The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 21 (3) An application for a licence under subsection (2), shall be issued to an applicant, if the applicant provides adequate information to the Commissioner, including the quantity, exact type and kind of arms or their manufacturing materials to be manufactured, the manufacturer sold or offered for sale, including evidence of or dealer's commitment to adhere to the use of the marking and classification system prescribed under this Act in every arm or their manufacturing materials manufactured, sold or offered for sale, including all serial numbers and other markings.
(4) A licence to manufacture, sell or offer for sale, arms or their manufacturing materials within Sierra Leone issued by the Commissioner under subsection (3), shall - (a) state - (i) the name and address of the licensee; (ii) the place of business in respect of which it is granted and the conditions and restrictions subject to which the licence is to be held; (iii) the procedure for marking; (iv) the procedure for entering details of each arms into the National Arms Register; and (v) information on the storage and management of the weapons after manufacture; (b) be valid for a period of 24 months from the date on which it was issued, and may be renewed by the Commissioner on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.
(5) The particulars of a licence granted under this section shall be entered in the National Arms Register.

28.

(1) Where the Commissioner decides to refuse an application to manufacture arms within Sierra Leone under section 27, he shall issue a written statement to the applicant stating the reasons for his decision.

Refusal of application to manufacture.


(2) Where an applicant is aggrieved by the decision of the Commissioner under subsection (1), he may appeal to the High Court whose decision shall be final.

29.

The Commissioner may in his discretion revoke a manufacturer's licence granted under this Act if- Revocation of licence.
(a) the licenced manufacturer is convicted of an offence under this Act; (b) he the that is satisfied licensed manufacturer is of intemperate habits or unsound mind or is otherwise unfit to be entrusted with an arm manufacturer's licence; or (c) the licenced manufacturer has been convicted of any crime of violence to the person or under investigation for any domestic violence related offences.

30.
30.

A manufacturer shall, for identification purposes, assign a unique and specific marking on all arms in such manner as may be prescribed, including - Marking of arms.

22 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 23 PART IX-MISCELLANEOUS 34.

(1) The Minister may by statutory instrument, after consultation with the Commission make regulation as he considers necessary or expedient for giving effect to this Act.

Regulations.

35.
Regulations.

35.

(1) The Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms Act, 2010 (Act No.6 of 2010) is hereby repealed.

Repeal and saving.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) any rules or other statutory instrument made under the Act repealed, in force immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall continue to be in force until revoked.
(a) (b) "classic marking" shall consist of a legible unique serial number, including the manufacturer's identity, country and year of manufacture, information on the purchaser's identity and the country of destination, expressed alphanumerically and featured in a maximum number of essential or important parts of the arms; "security marking" which shall be applied to all weapons produced after the entry into force of this Act, for the identification of arms in the event that classic markings have been destroyed or falsified, made on component parts that are not easily manipulated after the arm's manufacture, and the falsification of which would render the arm unusable.
Marking of ammunition.

31.

A manufacturer shall, for identification purposes, assign a unique and specific marking on all ammunition or explosives, a unique lot number expressed alphanumerically, including the manufacturer's identity and year of manufacture, information on the purchaser's identity and the country of destination, featured at least once on the jacket or cartridge containing the powder or liquid used in the ammunition or explosive in such manner as may be prescribed.

Obliteration.

32.
Obliteration.

32.

A person shall not wilfully obliterate, deface, alter, counterfeit or forge any mark which is used for the identification of any arms by the manufacturer or dealer or by which any arms may be identified in accordance with any licence issued under this Act.

Manufacturer to keep record.

33.

A licenced manufacturer shall keep books and records in suchmanner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed by the Registrar and shall on demand produce the same for inspection.

24 No.
24 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 No.

The Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Act 2021 25 MEMORANDUM OBJECTS AND REASONS The purpose of this Bill is to provide for the continue in existence of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms; to regulate and supervise the manufacture, trade and use of arms, ammunition and other related materials and to provide for other related matters.
Part I - makes provision for the interpretation and definition of words used throughout the Bill.

Part II - provides for the continue in existence of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms as the Sierra Leone National Commission on Arms Part VII- restricts the transfer of arms or their manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone, except on a valid licence issued by Commissioner for that purpose.
Part VIII - forbids the sale of arms or their manufacturing materials within Sierra Leone except on a valid licence issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.

Part IX - Miscellaneous provisions contain repeal and savings and vests the power to make Regulations on the Minister.
including the appointment of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, MADE this 1st day of June, 2021. functions and remuneration of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner and employment of such other staff as may be required for the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.

Part III - stipulates that the Advisory Committee shall be entrusted, subject to this Act, the supervision of the Commission.

DAVID PANDA–NOAH Minister of Internal Affairs.


Part IV- Financial Provisions deals with the funds, accounts and audit, financial year and Annual report of the Commission.

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE Part V - provides that the object for which the Commission is established is to regulate and supervise the manufacture, trade and use of arms, ammunition and other related materials, the establishment of the National Register of Arms and outline the functions of the Registrar.
Part VI - prohibits the use of arms, ammunition and other related materials in Sierra Leone, unless on a valid licence issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT, SIERRA LEONE.

GAZETTE NO.

36 OF 8TH JULY, 2021.