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The Ministry of the Interior has extended the deadline for firearm licence holders to comply with new licensing requirements, allowing them to continue possessing their firearms legally until December 31, 2026.
The Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, announced the extension while appearing before the Assurances Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, July 7.
He explained that the earlier suspension of firearm licences has been relaxed, giving existing permit holders more time to complete the new renewal process.
Under the revised requirements, applicants seeking to renew firearm licences will have to undergo mandatory firearms training, mental health assessments and drug screening.
Mr. Muntaka said messages have been sent to legitimate firearm licence holders informing them of the extension, adding that those already in the renewal process will continue under the new procedures.
He noted that the decision to extend the deadline was influenced by the impact of the June 29 floods, which affected seven regions and displaced thousands of people.
According to the Minister, it would be unfair to impose additional registration demands on citizens who are still recovering from the effects of the disaster.
He said the extension will allow affected individuals enough time to recover while ensuring that the new firearm regulation measures are properly implemented.
The government says the updated licensing framework is aimed at improving firearm control through stricter screening, training and safety requirements.
Story by Efua Nessa