Agf
supplemem tu the siena Leone Extraordinary Gazene vol. CLXI\ No.3g
dated 19thJune,2023
THE STERRA LEONE COMMISSION ON ARMS ANt} AMMUNITIONS
ACT,2O?.3
ARRANGEMF,NT OF SECTIONS
Sections.
[,ARr[-PRELiMII.-rff].TARY
I. Interpretation.
Z Application.
PART II_ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION
i. 'i he Sierra Leone National Commission onArms.
4. Appointment of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
5. Tenure ofComrnissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
6. Functions r:f Commissioner and Deputy Commissiorrer.
7. Remuneration of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
8. OtherstaffofCommission"
-o. Sccondment ofpubtric officers.
10, Consultants and experts.
I l. lndependencc of Commission.
12. f)irectorates ofCommission.
13. Regional and disrict offrccs ofCornmission.
PARI'III_SIERIIA I-F])NE COhTMISSION ON ARMS ANI)
AMMUMTION A,DVISORY COMMITTEE.
14. Ad.risoryCommittee.
PART IV _FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
15. Funds of Commission.
16. A!'counts and audit of Cornmission.
17. Financial yearofCommission.
18. Annual reporl
ii No. 24 T'he Sierra Leone Comrnission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2$23
PART V_FI.INCTIONS OF THE COMIVIISSION
19. Functions of Commission.
PARTVI-NA]]ONAL REGISTER OF ARMS
20. National Register of Arms.
21. Collection and desuuction of arrns"
PARTVII_LICENSING OF SMALL ARMS
n" Possession, custody or control of arms prohibiled.
23. Application to ovm, control or use small arms.
24" Revocation of licence.
2,5. Duly to report loss of licence.
26. Replacementoflicence.
n. Deposit of arm to National Arms Registry.
PARTVIII.,TRANSFER OFARMS FROM,'TOORTHROUGI{ SIF.RRA
LEONE
?3. Licence to transferarm ltom, to orthrough Sierra Leone.
D. Restriction on issue of licence to tznsfer arm.
30. Refusal of application to transfer arm.
31. Broke,ring.
PARTIX_MA}.{UFACTURE AND SALE OF ARMS WITHIN SIERRA
I-MNE
32. Licence to manufacture or sell amr witlun Sierra Leone.
33. Refusal of application to manufacture.
34- Revocation of licence.
35. Ma*ingofarms.
36- Marking ofammunition.
37. Obliteration.
38. Manufachuer to keep record.
39. Regulations.
40. Repeal and saving.
PARTX_MISCELLANEOUS
StcNrn this 2nd day of May, 2023.
DR JI.'LruS MAADA BIO,
President.
No.24 2023
Sierra Leone
THE SIERRA LEONE COMMISSTON ON ARMS
AI{D A-'WMUNITIONS,\CT, 2023.
Being an Act to repeal and replace the Sierra Leone National
Commission on SmallArms Ac{ 2010 (Act No. 6 of20l0), to provide
tbr the continuing in existence of the Sierra Leone National
Commission on Small Arms as the Sierra Leone Commission on
Arrns and Ammunitionsl to regulate and supervise the manufacture,
tradc and use of arms, ammunition and other related materials and
to provide forother related matters.
ENecrcn by the President and Members of Parliament in this
present Parliamenl assembled.
Short title
Date of commencement.
@
t
2 No. 24 The Sierra Leone Comnission on Arms and Ammunition ,lct 2023
PARTI_PREI-IMINARY
Inlerpretation. t. In this Act, unless the context other,vise requires-
"Advisory Committee" means the Sierra Leone
Cornrnission on Arrns an<l Ammunitions A-dvisory
Comlnittee established under section 13;
"ammunitions" mean devices destined to be shot or
projected througtr the rneans of fiteamts irrcluding -
(a) cartridges;
O) projectiles and missiles for ligft weapons;
(c) mobiie containerc vrith missilq; or pro.jectiles
for anti-craft or anti-taitk single action
systems; {i'
"attack helicopters" means rotary-wing aircraft
designed, equipped or rnodified to ell€iage targets
by employingguided or unguided anti'iumour, airto-surface or air-to-aii weapoils that are cquipped
with an integrated fire control and airning system,
including versions of those aircraft ihar perform
specialised recorutaissance or ele,ctronic warfare
rnissions;
"armoured comhat vehicles" flteans trackcd, semitracked or wheeled seli-propellcd veilicles. witlt
armoured protection and c(oss-country tapability,
either -
(a) designed end equipped tLr transpott a squad
of four on more infantry.rnen; or
(b) armed vrith an integral or organic weapc.n of
at least 125 mm salibre or a rnissile launcher;
No. 24 Tle Sierra l.eone Comnission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 3
"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;
"battle tanks" mean tracked or whecled self-propelled
armoured fighti"g vehicles with high cross-count{,/
mobility and a high level ofself-protection, weighing
at least 16.5 t (metric) unladen weight, with a trigh
muzzle velocity direct fire main gun of at least 75 run
calibre.
"brokering" mcans work- carried out as an intermediary
between a manufacftirer, supplier or distributor of
arms and a buyer or user, including the provision af
furancial support and the transportation ofarrns;
"Ch.airman" means the Chairman of the Sierra Leone
Commission on Arms and Ammunitions Advisory
Committee appointed under subsection (3) of
section I3;
"combat aircraft" means fixed-wing or variablegeometry wing aircraft designed, equipped or
modified to engage targets by employing guidcd
missiles, unguided rockets, bombs, guns,
cannons or other weapons ofdestruction, including
versions of such aircratt that perform specialised
electronicwarfare, suppression of air defence or
reconnaissance missions excluding primary trainer
aircraft, unless designed, equipped nr modified;
"Commission" means the Sierra l,eone Commission on
Arrns andAmmunitions referred to in sectioli 3:
4 No. 24 T'he SierraLeoneCommissiononArmsandAmmunition Act 2023
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner ofthe Siemr
Leone Commission on Anns and Arnmunitions
appointed under section 4;
"Convention" means the ECOWAS Convention on
Small Arms and Light Weapons, their Ammunitions
and Other Related Materials, done at Abuja, on I 4th
June,2006;
"Deputy Commissioner" means the Deputy
Commissioner of the Sierra Leone Commission on
Arms and Ammunitions appointcd under section 4:
"trCOWAS" means the Economic Community of West
African States comprising Heads of State and
Government ofthe Member States to the Convention;
"export" means to -
(a) take arms or arnmunition, licensed or
registered out of one country to another
country, or
(b) cause arms or ammunition. Iicensed or
registered to be taken out of a country to
. arrother country tl',rough any harboru, airport
or other place r:n board a vessel or aircra&
or by any other means of conveyance;
"import" means to brilg arms or ammunition, or cause
them to be brought into Sierra Leone:
"large-calibre artillery systern" includes guns,
howitzers, artillery pieces that combine the
characteristics of a guu or a howitzer, mortars or
multiple-launch rocket systems capable of engaging
surface targets by delivel'ing primarilf indirect
fire and having a calibre of 7-5mm and above;
No. 24 The Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammur,itton At:t 2023 5
"light weapon" includes portable arms desigped to be
used by ser€ral persons working together in a ream
ad which include heavy machine guns, ponable
grenade launchers, mobile or mounted, portable antiaircraft cannons, portable anti-tank cannons, nonrecoil guns, portable anti-tank missile launcherso r
rocket launchers. portable anti-aircraft missile
launcher..s and mortars with a calibre of less tha;r
l00millimetres;
"rnan-portable air-defence system" means a surfuceto-air missile system designed to be man-portabls,
carried and fired by a single individual. as weli as
other surface-to-air missile systenls portabie by
several individuals and designedto be operatcd
and fired by more than one individual acting as a
crew;
'\nissile and missile launcher" means -
(a) a guided or unguided rockets, ballistic or
cruise missiles capable of rieiivering a
warhead or weapon of destruction to a rangc
of at least 25 km; or
(b) a dcvice designed or modified specifically for
launching missiles or rockets including
. renrotely piloted..,ehicles with the missiles
characteristics capable of delivering a
warlread or weapon of destruction to a range
of at leasr25 k'n, exchrding ground-to-air
missiles;
"marking" means inscriptions permitting the
itlentifir:ation of anns covered by this Act
and dre ECO\['AS Convention on SuiallAmrs
and Light Weapons;
6 No. 2.f The Sierua Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023
"Minister" means ths Minister of Internal Affairs.
"National Register of Atms" means the National
Itegister ofArms referred to in section I9;
"other related materials" means all components, parts
or spare pars tbr arms or ammunition uecessary for
its functioninlr or any chemical subr;tance serving
as active material used as propelling or explosive
agent;
"public restricted place or private restricted plnce"
mea:rs aplace prescribed as aprivate restricted place
or public restricted place as thc case rnay be;
"re-export" means to send previously imported anns
to another state or territory other than that fiom
which they were originally irnported;
"Registrar" means the Registrar ofAlms referred to in
section l9; and
"grd I a'nd' nur arffi td by ueprsr"t ad whicfi
irdude fireams ad ottrcr ffirudive atrs ot'
*vimslch 6at Gxdodirg bol'b, m irrcerrtrry
bonboragmbonb, a grsyde arockdlarrcfer, a
nis$ le a nisi leqldcnor I adnt m rs/olvasad
p$dswith atrorrdic lodirg, riflesaxJ catinq
ndlireguq as.^dt riflq ligf'f, rndiregurx;
"tran$er" indudes inport, e$ort, trandt, trars
*riprent arrltrrsport or ily otfBr nure'rent
vvMse/s d anqarm.rition ad cfi'e rdated
ndsi d sfrom, to or tlrcrryh Sena Lore.
"traldt" nens wlgr mnvetiond ans thet hwe
bear dispiCred frcrm thHr plaeof eport fry the
e<portir.g $de l'eve rrt' yd bet remjvd by ttrc
inprtirg stde
No. 24 T'he Sie:ra Leone Contmission on Arms and Ammunition Aci 2$23 7
"arms-in-Eansit" includes anns entering and leaving
an intermediary state prior to entering the territory
ofthe recipient state, and typically takes place under
the supervisioir of the intennediate state's customs
authority;
"transhiprnent" means the act of trans-shipment,
transfer of conventional anns from the exporting
state to the inrporting state through other
destinations, and involves a change or changes
rn fansport type during the transfer process;
"warship" means a vessel or submarine armed and
equipped for rnilitary use with a starrdard
displacement of 500 metric ton-s or above, and those
with a standard displacement of Iess than .500 nietric
tons, equipped for launching nrissiles with a range
of at least 25 kilometres or to4redoe:s wrth similar
range.
Conrmissioner
. and Dcputy
(a) the. day-to-day administration of tbe co*n,ii.on"r.
Commission;
(b) management of funds and other property of
the Commission;
(ci rmplementing the policies of the Advisory
Cornmittee and carrying out tbe functions rrf
theCommission;
(d) the supervision and discipline of tire other
staff of tire Commission;
(c) providing safe and effective management,
stcrage and security of arms stockpiles,
amrnunitions and other related materials:
(D regulating the transfer, manufacture, sale,
possession and use of arms from, to or
through Siera Leone; and
(g) performing such other functions as the
Advisory Committee may assipn to him.
(2) Notwithstanding the generaliy of subsection ( I), the
Commissioner shall be responsible for -
l0 No. 24 'lhe Sierra Lcone Commission on Arms, and Ammunition Act 2023
(a) inventory management and regishation of ali
stocks of arms, amrnunitions and other related
materials;
O) ensuring physical security measures of
storag€ facilities antl stockpiles;
(c) stafftraining;
(d) maintaining security dumg ruiurulacture and
trarisportation;
(p) imposing sanctious for theft or loss of amrs,
ammunitions and other related rnaterials.
(3) The Minister shall, subjectto the recommerdation of
the Commission, by stetutcry instrurnenr, establish effective
standards and procedures for managenent, storage and security of
stockpiles.
(4) The Deputy Commissicner shall. subjecr to rhe
trpplcl.ral ofthe Presiden! perform the fi.urctions ofthe Commissioner,
wheuever the Comrnissioner is absent on leave and in the absence of
thc Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the President may
appoint a senior oflicer of rhe Coinmissiorr to perform the functious
ofthe Commissioner.
Rtmuneration 7. TheCommissiooerandDeputyCommissionershallbe()t
(tonrmissioner entitled to such salaries, allotvances and other benefits as may be
and f)eputv detemined by the President subject to the approval of Parlianrenr,
Comrnissioner' but such salaries, allowances and other benefits shall not be varied
to their disadvantage.
other sraff 8. (i) irr addition to the Cornmissioner and Deputy
of crxnmissionCommissioner, ttre Commission shall have such other technical and
v odministrative staffincluding the Intenral Auditor, as may be required
for the efficient perforrnance of the functions of the Commission.
Nrr.24 The Sierra Leone Contmission on Arms and Ammutzilion Act 2a?3 il
(2) The staffof the Cornrnission sball be appclnteri !;y
the Commission, subject to such terms arld conditions as 'h'l
Advisory Committee shall determine.
g.PublicofficerqincludingofficersoftheSierral-eonePr>lii:e,sscondrnefii
may at the insta,rce ofthe negistra'r, be seconded or ntherwise rcniier uffi'
assistance tc the Registrar, in the performance of llis functions undel'
this Act.
t0. The Contmissioner may, subject to the,approval:l-'T #:$::T.
Advisory cornrnittee, engage the services of such consullants or -'--
experts as it may consider nec'essary for the Propfl and efficient
performance olthe firnctions of the Commission"
1I. ln tbe performance of its functions under this Act, the lt'Hfil*
Commission shall not be subiect to the direction or cont'ol of any ission
person or authontY.
12. (l) The Commission shall, for the purpose of czrrying Qt'lt l)irectorates
its functions under this Ac! have such Directoratr.s as the Adviscrl ,;ti,31*'-
Commirlee may, on the recomrnendation of the Cc[rmissioner,
approYe.
(2) A Directorate approved by the Commission under
subsection (l ) shail be headed by a Director aird shall iaclude -
-r
D No. 24 lie sierra Leone commission on Arms arul Ammtoition Act 2a23
(a) Directorate of Technical Affairs and
Programmes;
(b) Directorate of,Finance:
(c) Directorate of Human Resource and
Administation;
(d) Directorate of Cr:mmunications;
(e) f)irectorate of Monitoring and Evaluation;
(0 Directorate of Infoimation'Iechnologl,,; and
T:^ryy1go 13. (l) The Commission rnay estabtish offices in theorsttrcl olnces administrative regions of Sierra feone and i, such district as ttre
Commission. Ccrmmissionmay determine.
(2) A regional or disrrict oftjce established under
subsection (l), shall be provided with such officers and staffas may
be necessary for the proper and effective performance of the
functions of the Comnr ission.
(3) A regional or distict oflice shall perform tlrc functions
of the Commission in the region or district except for the issuance of
liccnce.
PARTIII_SIERRA LEONE COMMISSIO}J CN ARMS ANI)
A MM{I{ITIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
Advisory
Committee 14. (l) "lhe Comrnissiorr shall have an advisory cotnmiffee tr:
be knolw as flrc Siena i.eone Commissior; onfums andAmmunitions
Ailvisory Committee rvhich shall be rhe governing body of the
Cornmission, vested s,bject to this Act, the control and supen ision
ofthe Commission.
(2) The Advisory ComrnirJee shall in addition to its
firnctions under subsection (l), be responsible to -
(.?) advise the Commission on any aspect of the
mandate and functions of the Cotnmission;
and
No.24 The Sierra Leane Commisston on Arms and Ammunition Act 2A23 B
(b) monitor and evaluate the work of the
Commission.
(3) The Advisory Con:nittee shall consist of a Chainnan
u,ho shall be appointed b-y the President subject to the approval of
Pariiarnent and the following other members -
(a) a representative of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Intemational Co-operation, not
below the rank of Director:
(b) a representative of the Ministry of lnternal
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 belorv the rank of Director;
(e) a representative of the Sierra Leone Armed
Forces, not below the rank of Lieutenant
Colonel;
(D arepresentative ofthe Sierra Leone Police,
not below the rank ofChiefSuperintendent;
G) a representativc of the Aftorney-General's
Offrce not below the rank of Principal State
Counsel;
G) a representative of the National Revenue
Authority (Customs & Excise) not belowthe
rank of PrincipalCollector;
i4 No. 24 7'1rc SierraLeoneCommissionortArmsandAmmunition Act 2023
Funds of
Commission
(D a representative of the Offiee of National
Security not below the rank of Director;
0) a representative ofthe Civil Society of Sierra
Leone appointed b.v- the Coalition of Cir.il
Society Movemenrs in Sierra I.eone;
(k) a reprcsentative of the National Council of
Paramount Chiefs appointed bl,that body;
0) a representative of the National Youth
Commission appointed by that body;
(m) a representative of the \[bmen's Forum of
Sierra Leone appointed by that body; and
(n) the Commissioner, who shall be secretaq/ to
the Committee.
(4) The Chairman shall hold office for a term of 5 years
and slrall be eligible for reappointrnent for a furthcr term of 5 years
only.
PARI TV- F'INANCI,AL PROVISIONS
15. (l) The activities of the Commission shall be frnanced by
funds consisting of -
G) moneys appropriated from time to tirne by
Parliantent for the purposes of the
Commission;
(b) rnoneys given to the Commission by way of
gifts, endowments, bequests, granrs or other
contributions by persons and organisations
for the purposes of the Commission; and
(c) any other moneys rvhich may, from time to
time, accrue to the Comrnission.
No.24 The Sieffa Leone cootmission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 15
(2) the fun,Js of the Commission shall be applied only
for the purposes ol'the approved budget of the Commission'
16.(l).I.heCommissionslrallkeepproperbooksofaccountAcctruntsanrJ
and other records in rclation to the activiti"., p,*p"tty and furances lliilr"tlrr*
of the Commission iu a form approved by the Auditor-General, and
shall prepare in respe'ct of each financial year of the Ccrtnmission a
financial statement wtrich shall include -
(a) balance sheet accoruts;
(b) income and expenditure accounts; and
(c) source and aPPlicbtion of funds'
8\ The accounts of the Commission kept under
subsection (1) shall, trct later than 2 months after the end of each
financial year, be audited by the Auditor-General or an auditor
appointed by him.
(3) F'or the purposes of subsection (2), the Auditor
(ieneral or the au<Jitor appointed by him shall be entitled to have
access to all books ofaccoun! vouchers andother financial records
of the Commission and to require such information and explanatiort
thereon as he uray think fit.
(4) The Cornmission shall provide the Auditor-General
or the audiior appoinled by him with all necessary and appropriate
facilities for thl exarnination of the accounts and records of the
Commission.
(5) 'l"he Auditor-General or the auditor appoirted hy him
shall subrnit to the Comrnission a report on the audited accounls and
the financial statelnents referred to in subsectiott (l ) and shall, in his
report draw attention to -
16 No. 24 The Sierra LeoneCommissiononArmsandAmmunition Act 2023
Financial
year of
f-ommission.
(a) irregularities in the accounts;
(b) matters that are likehi 1s ady.rsely aflect the
operations of tlre Commission; and
(c) any other matter rvhich, in his opinion, ought
to be brought to the notice of the
Commission.
17. l'he financial year of the Comnrission shall be the same as
the financial year of the Government.
18. (l) The Commission shall, within 3 months after the end
of the financial year, submit to the Minister a report on the
pertbrmance of its functions during that year and on its poiicy and
prograilrmes.
@ The annual report shall include the accounls and
annrral financial statement prepared under section l5 anrl the report
ofthe audit thereon.
(3) The Minister shall lay copies of rhe annual repoft
before Parliament within 30 days upon receipt of the report.
Annual
report.
(4) The Commission shall make cnpies of the rcport
available to all stakehoiders once it has been laid before parliament.
PART V_FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
Functions. of 19. (l) The object for which the Clommission is established
Lommlssron' is to regulate and supervise rhe manulbcture, trade and use .f arms,
ammunitions and other related materials.
8) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (l )"
the Commission shall be responsible to-
No. 24 The sierrc Leone crmmission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 i'i
(a) lret prograrnmes ofaction to prevent, con:bal
and eradicate the illicit manufacture, trade aud
use cf arms in all its aspecls,
(b) educate and sensitize the public and prnvide
infcrrmation on tire dangers associaterl rvith
the illicit malufacture, tade and lse of ar-ms.
(c) ensure that obligations under the ECOWA S
Convention are complied with;
(d) establish and rnairitain an Arms Regisrer tbr
transmission to the ECO'II/AS Secretirriat:
(e) provide appropriate recommendation t,r rhe
ECOWAS Secretariat on exemptions r.o be
granted under the Convention;
(D mobilize resources for programme activilies
ofthe Commission;
@') inspect arms anC ammunitions:
(tt) advise the Minister on the formularion of
policies and strategies as containetl in the
Convention and any other relevant
international conventions to which Sierra
Leone is a party; and
$ perfonn any other functions reiaterl to thc
object of the Commission.
18 No. ?4 !"hc Sierrc Leone Commission on,4rms ant{ Antmunition -4ct 2023
I'ARI VI ,.NATIONAI., REGISTER OFARI,IS
l.Jationai
Rcgister of
Arms.
20. (1) There shall be a Nati.rrral Register of Arms kept by
the Cornmissioner who shall also be the Regislrar ofArms respcnsible
for!'ecrrrding in the National RegisterofArms or sauseto be reconled
and permanently kept. infonnation relating to the licence, transfer,
manufaclure, sale, possession and use ofa[ns.
{2) Information reiating to anns rccorded in the National
R.egister ofrtnns under subsection (l) shall comprise -
(a) a description of tlte type, model, calibre and
quantity of each batch, lot or serial number;
(b) details relatirrg to marking;
(c) date of manufactwe;
(d) rnrne of mauutacturer and cortact details;
(e) details ofexporl licence such as date ofissue,
licence number, country ofexport, pon of
export, port of ilnport, cuuntry oiimport, enduser cedificate and routc oftransfer,
(D names and addresscs of tbrmer and current
owners and, where appiicable, successive
owners;
G) sale, possession and use of arms; and
O) date of registration.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Registrar shall
record in the National Register of Arms information relating to -
No. 24 Tlw Sierra Leone commisston on Arms and,4mmunition Act 2g23 19
(a) ils issuance ofexport authorisations nr its
actual exports of arms;
O) arms that are transferred to its territcry as ttre
final destination or that are authorised to
transit. or trans-ship territory under its
-iurisdiction;
(c) the quantity, value, moCel or type. authorised
international hansfers ot'arms, alrts actuiil ly
transferred, detai!s of exporting State,
import ing S tates, transit and trans-shipn:en t
State and end users, as appropriate.
21. (l) The Regisrarshallregister, securelystoreand destroy Coltection
*rJ
(a) surplus and obsolete arrns and amnrunitions; X;sj:["jio,
(b) seized arms and ammunitions;
(c) unmarked arms and ammunitions;
(d) illicitly held arms and anrmunitions; and
(e) arms collected in the irnplenrentation of peace
accords or progranunes for thc voluntary
handiug in of weapons.
G) '[he Minister ma1,, by statulory instniment, prescribe
rulcs and procedrrres for the storage and destruction of arms and
arnrnunitions under subsection ( I ).
PARI' VII - LICEI.JSING OF ARMS
22. (l) A person shall not hal'e anns, amrnuritions and other posression
related materials in his possession, custody or controt. ::i,i.:l;;
arms
prohibited.
1Ntt.2zt The Sierra Leorie Commission on Arms and Ammuntlion l.':t 2073
Application
to own,
control or
use small
arm and
light wcapon.
(2) Notwirhstanding subsecli';n ( I ), an authoriseC armed
officet' on duty shall have at'lns, ammunitions altri other related
matel'ials in his possession, custody or conffr)l in a public or FriYa-te
restricted place.
(3) A person who contrave:res subseclion (l), comrnils
an offbnce and is liable. on cunviction, to a fine not less than 10,000.00
Leones or to irnprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or to bottl
the fmc and imprisonment.
23. (l) Notwithstarding subsection (l) of section 21, a person
sball own, control or rise small arm and light weapon, ils ammunitions
and other related materials on a valid licence issued by the
Commissioner for that purpose.
q A person rvho wishes to own, control or use small arm
and light weapon, its ammurrition and other related nlaterials under
:rubscction (l) shall make an application, in writing, to the
Commissioner tor a Iicence tbr that purpose.
(3) The Commissioner nray upou receipt of an application
rurder subsection (2), issue a licence to the applicaut. ifhe is satisfied
that the applicant -
(a) is above the age of 2l Y,'^ars;
(b) has not been convicted ofa crime of violence
to thc per.ton, drug trafficking or lrutrtan
trafficking;
G) does not have a history of tamily violence,
wherher or not it resulicd in a criminal
conviction;
(d) is medically certified as rnentally tit;
(e) is physicallv fit;
(f) has a record of good behaviour duly tesiified
by a person of note in his community, and in
the case ofan applicant in the provinces, by
the Paramount Chiefofthe Chiefdom to which
the application relatcs;
{
No- 24 The sierra l*one commission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 2l
(g) has been cleared, by both rhe Sierra Leone
Police andtbe Office ofNational Security, as
a fit and proper person to be issued a licence
to possess arm;
(h) intends to use ann for hunting, whether
professionally, for sport or pleasure or that
the applicant has a legitirnate reason to
possess, carry or use arrn;
(r) has undergone safety and competency
training as may be prescribed by the
Registrer;
() has proof that the arm will be stored in a safe
place and separately from its ammunition;
(k) will not endanger public safety or public
interest; and
(l) haspaidtheprescribedfeesof250.00 l,eones
perroundand 100.00 l.rones forany addition
round.
(4) A licence issued under subsection (3), shall -
(a) be in such form as may be presc.ribed and
shall specifi-
(i) the conditions and resrrictions subject
to which the licence is held;
(ii) the nature and number or other
identification marks on the arm;
(iii) the quantiq'of amnrunition authorised
to be held at any one time; and
(iv) such other matters as may be
prescribed;
2. No. 24 The Sierra Leone commission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023
(b) unless revoked r:r cancelled, be valid for a
period of 12 months from the date on which it
was issued and may be renewed by the
Registrar on such terms and conditir-rns as
may be prescribed.
(5) The particulars ol'a licence issued or renerved shall
be entered in the National Arnrs Register in such form as rnay be
prescribed.
(O Where the Commissioner refuses an application under
subsection (2), he shall notiry the applicant in writing of his decision
and state the reason for the refusal.
(7) A person aggrieved by the decision of the
Commissioner under subsection (6) may appeal to the High Cout't
whose decision shall be final.
(8) A person who contravenes subsection (l). conrntits
an offence and is liable, on cottviction, to a fine not less lhan l0'000 00
Leones or to imprisonment for a term not iess than 5 years or to both
the fine and imprisonlnent.
t.
Revocation
of lic*nce.
24. The Commissioner may revoke a licence issued under
subsection (3) ofsection 22 if-
(a) the licensee is convicted ofan offence under
this Act:
(b) he is satisfied that the licensee is of
intemperate habits, unsound mind or is
otherrvise unfit to tle Iusted with arm;
(c) the licensee is convicted of a critne crf
violence to the person or tmder invcstigatiol
for a domestic violence related offence; and
No.24 Tlrc Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 B
(d) the licensee has refused to make backlog
payment of renewal fees.
25" Where a liccnce issued under this Act is lost or stolen, the truty to
holder ofthe licence shall inform the Commissioner and reoort to rhe report lcss
ncarest police station of such loss or thetl within 7 days of n. of liccnce'
discovery of the ioss or ttreft.
26. The Commissioner may, after being satisfied as to the loss, Replacement
destniction or misplacernent of a licence issued to an applicant un6"i of licence'
subsection (3) ofsection 22, issue another licence, subject to such
terms and conditions as may be prescribed in replacement thereof,
upon the payment of the prescribed fee.
27. (l) A person who is in possession of an alm which - Deposit of
ilm to
National
Arms
Registry.
(b) Iicence has expired, suspended or revoked;
(c) has become unserviceable or that person no
longer wishes to retain:
(d) belongs to a convicted person; or
(e) has been f<rund but the owner has not been
identified
shall, within such time as nlay be prescribed,
deposit the arm at the Natiorral A r m s
Registry or the nearest police station.
(2) An arm which is deposited at the National Arms
Registrl under paragraph (a) of subsection (l), shall not be
transferred fi om tire National Arms Registry to another person, unless
on the uritten consent of the person administering the estate of that
deceased person.
(a) belonged to a deceased person;
-!
24 No. 24 T',he Siefta Leone commission on Arm.c and Ammwrittott Act 2023
Licencc trt
transfer arnr
from. to or
through
Sierra Leone.
(3) A person who conmvenes subsection (l), conunits
an oflence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not less than 10,000.00
Leones or to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or to both
the fine and imprisonment.
PART VIIFI'RANSFLR OF ARMS FROM, TC OR THROUGH
SIERRA LEONE
28. (l) A person shall not transfer arlrls ortheir manufacturing
materials from, to or through Siena Leone, except on a valid licence
issued by the Commissioner for that purpose.
(2) A person who vrishes to transfer arms or their
manufacturing materials from, to or through Siera Leone shall make
an applicatior\ in writing, to the Cornmissioner ftlr a licence for that
purpose.
(3) The Commissioner may, upon receipt ofan application
under subsection (2), issue a licence to the applicant, ifthe application
(a) is accompanied by an exetnption certificate
for arms transfer issued by the ECOWAS
Commission:
(b) specilies details ofthe arms to be transferred
including details of -
(, 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,
represenlatives, brokers or
agents involved;
No.24 T'le Sieta Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition Act 2023 25
(iv) the supply process; the number and
period of shipments, the routes, transit
locations, type of transportto be used,
all com- panies involved in importhrg,
freight forwarding and handling, details
of the storage and management of the
weapons whilst being transferred;
(v) the tilne 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;
(c) is accompanied by written confirmation frorn
relevant national authoriry that the end user
is authorised to import arms; and
(d) contains details stating that the quantity of
ammunitionto tre impo(ed is not more than
50 rounds.
(4) A licence issued under this section shall be valid for
a period of 12 months fiom the date on which it was issued, and may
be renewed by the Commissioner on such tenns and conditions as
may be prescribcd.
(5) The particrrlars of licence issued or refused under
this section shall be entered in the National Arms Register and in
such form as Inay be prescribed.
(5) This section shall not apply to anrx intended for use
by the Govemment of Sierra Leone or which are required for any
purpcrse which may be specified by order of the President'
xlNo. 24 The Sierra LeoneComntissiononArms andAmmuniiion Act 2823
(A A person who contraYenes subsection (l), commits
an offbnce aud is liable, on conviction, to a fine not less than 10,000.00
I.eones or to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or to both
the fine and imprisonraent.
Restriction
ein issue of
licence to
transfer arm.
29. Notwithstandirrg subsection (3) of ser:tion 27, the
Cr'rmmissioner shall not issue a licence to transfer arms or their
manufacturing materials from, to or through Sierra Leone unless -
(a) a written authorisation relating to the export.
impor! transit, trans-shipnrent or brokering
of the arms or their manutacturing materials
has been obtained from all states directiy
concemed with the transfer;
(b) all required infomration relating to the expon,
import, transit, trans-shipment or brokering
of arms or theil manufacturing materiais lnve
been supplied to the Cornmission;
(c) the arms ortheir manufacturing malerials
have been marked as required under this Act;
(d) there is evidence that the a,rms or their
manufachuing materials are not to be used -
(i) for tlre violation of international
humanitariau law or infringernent of
human and peoples' rights and
freedoms, or for the purpose of
oppression;
(ii) for the conmdssir:n of serious violations
of international humanitarian law
including, genocide or crimes against
hurnanity and war crimes;
No" 24 The Sierra Leone Comntission ort Arms and Ammunition lct 2023 ,n
(uD to worsen the'intemal situation in the
counry of final destinatiorg 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 rcgional security;
endairger peace, contribute to
destabilising or uncontrolled accumulations cf 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 u'ansfbr;
G) for corrupt practices at any stage, from
the supplier, through any rniddlemen or
brokers. to the recipient.
30. (l) Where an application to transfer arm or their p.6*r1 o1
manut'acturing rnarerials froln, to ortfuough Sierra Leone is refused, application
thc Registrar shall notif, the applicant r*ing the reasons for his to transfer
refusal.
28 No. 24 The SierraLeoneCommissiononArmsandAmmunition ,4ct 2023
@ Where an applicant is aggrieved by the decision of
the Registrar under subsection (l), he may appeal to the High Court
whose decision shall be fmal..
31. Brokering.
(l) A person, including a company incorporated in Sierra
Irone, a financial agent or transportation agent shall not be engaged
in the brokering of arms unless he is registered with the Commission.
8) A person, brokering colnpany or agent registered
under subsection (l) shall -
(a) obtain a licence foreachtransaction in which
he is involved irrespective of where the
arrangemenLs took place ;
O) provide full disclosure or relevant imporl or
export licences or associated documents,
inclu<iing the names and locations of all
brokering and shipping agents involved in
the transaction, transit routes and points
of shipments.
@ A person who contravenes subsection (l), commits
an oftbnce and is liable, on convictioq to a fine not less than 10,000.00
Leones or to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or to both
the fine and imprisonrnent.
l-icence to
manufacture
or sell arm
within Siena
Leone.
PARTIX-MANUFACTURE AND SALE OFARMS MTHIN
SIERRALEONE
32. (l) A pelson shall not manufacture or offer for sale alnrs
or their mamrfhcturing materials within Sierra Leone except on a
valid licence issued by the Commissioner tbr that purpose.
(2) A person who wishes to manufacture or offer for sale
arms or theirmanufacturing materials within Sierra Leone shall make
an application, in writing, to tlre Commissioner for a licence for that
purpose.
No.24 The Sierra Leone Commission on Arms ond,4mmunition Act 2023 D
(3) An application fora licence undersubsection (2), :;hail
be issued to an applicant, if the applicant provides adequate
information to the Commissioner, including the quantit), exact ty?e
and kind ofanns or their manufucturing materials to be manufactured,
sold or offered for sale, including evidence of the manufacfirer or
dealer's commitment to adhere to the use of the marking and
classification system prescribed under this Act in every arm or thcir
manufacturing materials manufactured, sold or offered for sale,
includiug all serial numbers and other markings.
(4) A iicence to manufacture, sell or offer for sale, arms or
their rrmnufacturing materials within Sierra Leone issued by the
Commissioner rrnder subsection (3), shall state -
(a) (i) the name and address of the licensee
(ii) the place of business in respect r.rf
which it is glanted and the conditions
and restrictions subject to which ttie
licence is to be held:
(iii) the procedure tbr marking:
(iv) the procedure firr entering details of
each arm into the Natir:nal Arms
Register; and
(v) information on thc stcrage and
management of the weapons after
manufacture;
(b) be valid for a period of 12 months from the
date on which it was issued, and nray be
renerved by the Cornmissioner on strch terns
and conditions as may be prescribed.
3 No. 24 '[he SierraLeoneCommissiononArmsandAmmunttion Act 2023
Refusal of
appiication to
manufacturc.
Revocation
of licence.
(5) The particulars ofa licence ppanted under this section
shall be entered in the National Arms Register.
(6) This section shall not apply to anns intended for use
by the Govemmenl of Siera Leone or which are required for any
purpose which may be specified by order of the Prrsident.
(7) A person who contravenes subsection (l), comrnits
an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fure not less than 10.000.00
Leones or to imprisonment for a term not less than 5 years or to both
the f,rne and imprisorunent.
33. (l) Where the Commissioner refuses an application to
rnanufacture arms within Sierra Leone under section 3 l, he shall issue
a written statement to the applicant stating the reasons firr his
decision.
@ Where an applicant is aggrieved by the decision of
the Commissioner under subsection (l), he may appeal to the High
Court whose decision shall be final.
34. The Commissioner may in his discretion revoke a
manufacturer's licence granted under this Act if-
(a) the licenced manufacturer is convicted ofan
offence under this Act;
(b) he is satisfied that the licerrsed manufacturer
is of intemperate habits or un-sound 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.
No.24 The,sieraLeoneCommissionor,ArmsandAmnunition Aa 2A23 3l
35. A rnanufacturer shall, for identification purposes, assign a Marking
unique and specific rnarking on all arms, their ammmition and sthsl of arms.
materials in such marner as may be prescribed, including the following
(a) "classic marking" shall consist of a legitrle
unique serial number, including the
manutbcturer's identrty, €ountry and year of
manufacture, infonnation on the purchaser's
identity" and the country of destination,
expressed alphanumerically and featured in
a maximurn number ofessential or important
parls of the arms;
(b) "security marking" which shall be applied to
all weapons produced after the entry into
force of this Act, for the identification of
anns in the ovent that classic markings have
been destroyed or falsified, made on
component parts that are not easily
manipulated after the arm's manufacture, and
the ialsification of which would render the
arrn unusable.
36. A manufacturer shall, for identilication pulposes, assign a Ir{art.uig of
unique and specitic rnarkfurg on all arntnunition orexplosives, a unique anrtnunitiort
lot number expressed alphanumerically, including the manufacturels
idcntit-v and year of manufac;nlre, information on the purchaser's
iderrtitv ancl ttre counhy of destination, featured at least orlce on the
jsckct or cartridge ccntaining the powder or liquid used in the
amrnunition or explosive in such rnann€r as may be prescribed.
37. A person shall not wilfully obliterate, deface, alter. obliteration
ccurrterf'eit or tbrge a mark which is used for the identification of
arms by the manufacturer or dealer or by which arms may be identified
in accordance with a licence issued under this Act.
? No. 24 The Sierra Lcone Commission on Arms and Ammunitiott Act 2023
38. A licenced manufacturer shall keep bools and records in
such roanner and containing such particulars as may be prescribed
by the Regisfar and shall on demand ptoduce the same for inspection.
PAITT X.IvfI SCELT-ANEOUS
Regulalions. 39" (1) The Minister may by' statutory instrument. after
consultation with the Commission make regulation as he considers
nocessary or expedient for giving effect to this Act.
Marrufacturcr
to keep
record.
Repeal and
saving.
40" (l) The SienakoneNationalConunissionon SmallArms
and and Light Weapon Act, 2010 (Act No.5 of 2010) anii tlte Arms
and Ammunition Act, 20 I 2 (Act No. 9 of 20 12) are hereby repealed.
e\ Notwithstanding subsection (1), rules or other
statutory instrurnent made under the repealed Acts, in firce
imrnediately before the commencetnem of this Act, shall continue to
be in fonce until revoked.
No. 24 The sierra Leone commission on Arms antl ,ammunirio, Act 2o23 13
Passed in Parliament this 24rh doy of April , nthe year of our L,ord rw.o
thousand and Twenty TII'ee.
PARAN UMAR TARAWAI,IY,
Clerk of Parliament.
Tms Pnrvrso llrpnrssloN has been carefully compared by me with the Bill
which has passed Parliament and found by me to be a tue and correct printed copy
ofthe said Bill.
PARAN UMAR TAI{AWALLY.
Clerk oJ Parliament.
Pnrvrgp lxo PugLtsHEo sv rHE GownNlrr:Nrr PRtrqrtNc Drpenruenr., Srpr*_t !_ roNg.
ExrxtoaowtnyGnut't No. 39or lgrH JuNs, 2023.
Check the current official version before relying on this text. MiLAWYER shares legal information, not legal advice.