Dmitry Titov, Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, paid a three-day visit to Liberia this week.

	• Mr Titov interacts with members of the Liberian National Police Photo: Emmanuel Tobey/UNMIL

During his visit, ASG Titov met with Vice-President Joseph N. Boakai and held discussions with other members of the government and the judiciary, including the Acting Minister of Justice and Solicitor-General Tiawan S. Gongloe.

He commended the progress the country has made in the areas of rule of law and security institutions but cautioned that much remains to be done.

During a one-day field trip to some rule of law facilities in Montserrado and Margibi counties, Mr Titov visited several courts, police stations, the Kakata Central Prison as well as the National Police Training Academy in Paynesville.

He witnessed first-hand the challenges facing Liberia’s rule of law and security institutions.
 
While the lack of electricity and infrastructure was readily apparent, Mr. Titov observed that it was commendable that state authority had been further extended into rural areas. He was heartened by the measure of optimism he noticed during his interactions with local police and judicial officials.

Mr. Titov also held extensive discussions with UNMIL’s senior leadership. He was reassured by the Mission’s energetic and innovative approach to capacity building and relationships with partners, including the United Nations Country Team.