MONROVIA, Montserrado – The Liberian government continues to assure Liberians of its commitment to security in the wake of the United Nations Mission in Liberia drawdown.

Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Isaac Jackson said the partial departure of the Nigerian contingent from Toe town in Maryland is a solid vote of confidence from the UN Security Council.

He said the departure of the contingent signified that Liberia can handle its security.

Jackson noted that Liberia has been able to hold two successive senatorial and several by-elections without any problems. He says this is a clear indication that the government is capable of handling things after UNMIL departs the country.

The country recently celebrated a decade of peace after the end of the civil crisis and Jackson said, “these are all confirmations that the government is prepared to take the mantle of security.”

“The international community is confident that Liberia can manage its own security after UNMIL’s departure,” Jackson added.

Jackson said that Liberia is being challenged, and the government must prove to the outside world beyond all reasonable doubt that it is competent to maintain security and order.

He said the government had already done the security gap analysis before the partial drawdown plan of UNMIL came into force.

The UNMIL is expected to conclude it withdrawal process from Liberia by June 16, 2016.

Featured image courtesy of  Zeze Ballah