Thirteen years after the end of the Civil War in Liberia, Liberian forces have taken over full control of the country’s security from the United Nations (UN) troops, once again. This autonomy will be a litmus test to see how prepared President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is to guard the Liberian people with their local forces, at a time when security is a top global concern.

In a statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Liberia, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon has approved the implementation of the Security Council resolution 2239 (2015) that empowers the government of Liberia to resume its national security responsibilities.

“The Secretary-General welcomes the full assumption today [Thursday] by the Government of Liberia of its national security responsibilities from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), in accordance with Security Council resolution 2239 (2015),” it read.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to the determination of the people and the Government of Liberia to work towards lasting peace after the end of the conflict that led to the deployment of UNMIL in October 2003. The continuing improvement in the security and stability of Liberia has enabled the United Nations to enter the final stage of its peacekeeping efforts in the country,” the statement also noted.

On September 11, 2003, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended the deployment of the peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) ,with about 15,000 troops to maintain peace in Liberia. The UN Security Council approved the mission on the 19th of September in the same year.

Sirleaf told the Reuters news agency that although there has been some progress, a lot more work needs to be done. She said the constraints of resources have not enabled the Liberian government to surpass its current level in terms of security training, logistics and support for the local security forces. Starting this week, the UN peacekeeping forces – which will include 1,240 military and 606 police personnel – will only have a supporting role.

However, as this development ushers in a joyous new dawn in Liberia, it is also a huge challenge to the government and local security forces in the country. The sole responsibility of providing most of the resources and manpower needed to retain the stability of the country now lies with the leaders of the nation. Liberians now look up to their government who cannot afford to fail this time, let alone allow its firm grip on national peace slip.