Story by: Wellington Railey
Photo by bpende on Flickr

The United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton ended her one- day visit to Liberia at the Liberian National Police Training Academy, where she pledged the U.S. government’s support toward the training of the Liberia National Police (LNP).

Madam Clinton praised the Liberian leader President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, for the level of work carried out by her administration, since becoming president three years ago, saying that the “U.S. government is pleased with the leadership of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf”.

“The U.S. government will next budget year increase its financial support for training the Liberia National Police,” she said. The police force of Liberia need to be strengthened to protect its citizens and combat crime and crime related issues.

“Although the president is bent on ensuring that there is security in Liberia the men and women should step forward to serve their country, “she urged. Clinton realizes that maintaining law and order is a critical element in safeguarding peace and stability in any country.

Madam Clinton challenged the police to help heal the wounds of the fourteen years of conflict that damaged the fabric of the nation, saying that their fellow countrymen and women, particularly the children, depend on the police for protection.

Making specific reference to the statement made by President Barack Obama when he visited Ghana last month that all Africans should take control of their destiny and strive for peace, security and for progress on the continent, Madam Clinton charged the Liberia National police to strive for the attainment of peace and security necessary for national progress.

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton observed that the challenges the current police force of the country face are even greater than in the past.

Madam Clinton disclosed that for too long in Liberia the police instilled fear and undermined the rule of law and now it is time that the new recruits should fight fear.

She said training professional police officers is one of the hardest jobs to do in post conflict situations, and that the Liberia National Police have been given one of the best trainings in the police force; she called on the police officers to recognize the investment made available by the United Sates Government.

“We have been proud to work with the United Nations and with the wonderful trainers and police officers, who have come from around the world to help train the members of the police force,” she said.

Mrs. Clinton said that U.S assistance to Liberia would continue and Liberia has become a colorful example of how international communities can respond together when a nation is ready to move forward.

She praised women for joining the police force, saying that women police officers around the world are essential along with their male counterparts in providing stability and security and called on them to remember the investment made in the training of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and the Liberian National Police (LNP).