Liberia finds itself at a critical juncture in the fight against illicit drug use and the proliferation of ghettos, as the government formally supports community-driven efforts to combat these challenges.
By: Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, August 15, 2025: The Liberian government has thrown its support behind community-led efforts to demolish ghettos, dismantle makeshift homes, and drive out individuals suspected of drug abuse, but says such actions must be conducted in coordination with the Joint Security of Liberia.
The government’s backing of citizen-led initiatives marks a new approach to neighborhood security. Still, it also raises human rights concerns, as many of those suspected of drug use have reportedly been beaten and chased with sticks and other objects.
On Wednesday, residents of Saye Town and 12th Street in Sinkor went on a rampage, breaking down ghettos, destroying makeshift homes, and chasing away or arresting individuals believed to be drug dealers or users.
This action follows a widely publicized Say No to Drugs” campaign, march on Thursday, August 7, 2025, during which residents from various communities in Montserrado gathered in front of the Capitol Building to alert authorities to the alarming drug situation threatening their safety.
According to residents, the crackdown was prompted by increasing daily threats to their safety and the urgent need to protect children and restore peace in their neighborhoods.
Just a day after the march, President Joseph Boakai presented his second policy measures to intensify the fight against illicit drugs. In these measures, he called on community residents to report drug-related cases to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
While some observers viewed the president’s statement as political, a tragic incident in New Keymah Town at Soul Clinic, where four young men reportedly died due to a new drug called “Android” or “Spark,” highlighted the urgent nature of the problem.
Following this incident, residents of 12th Street, Sinkor, and Saye Town community took matters into their hands, effecting citizen arrests and handing suspects over to the police.
Speaking on behalf of the government on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel Sanoe acknowledged the government’s support for community action but urged that it be done in a lawful manner that avoids human rights violations.
He said shutting down ghettos could help curb crime and violence and slow the spread of drug abuse, which is tearing families apart.
“It’s good that communities are coming forward. When communities get involved, it sends a message to policymakers and stakeholders that the country has rallied around this common cause,” Sanoe said.
He added: “One thing we like to point out is that it was wrong in their violent posture, but we commend and call on other community leaders to do the same. Do not act violently; work in coordination with the authorities and the Joint Security of Liberia. This sends a clear message that there is no space for drug trafficking and sale in our country. Let it be a warning to those preying on the vulnerability of our nation and threatening the future with illicit substance abuse.”
Sanoe emphasized that the government maintains zero tolerance for anyone caught in the sale or distribution of drugs.
“No status, no uniform, and no amount of money can protect you from this. The government alone cannot do it, so we call on citizens to play their part,” he said. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
