Ordinary Liberians have emphasized an urgent need for effective implementation of existing drug laws to save Liberia’s next generation, but others want government to be intentional its war against substance abuse.
By: Naneka A. Hoffman
Monrovia, Liberia; August 7, 2025 – As Liberians, primarily women and mothers, parade the streets of Monrovia today against the proliferation and use of illicit drugs across Liberia, citizens’ reactions are mixed on current interventions by the state, with many emphasizing the urgent need for effective implementation of existing drug laws here.
The women-led march today, Thursday, is meant to draw government’s urgent attention to the drug crisis that is destroying thousands of Liberian youths.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a resident of Monrovia, S.N. Dargbe, expressed skepticism about the potential impact of such rallies, pointing out deeper, unresolved issues:
“The anti-drug rally is a good thing, but I don’t think it’s going to work because of underlying problems like juvenile delinquency. This issue has existed since before the Civil War and has never been properly addressed,” he said.
Dargbe emphasized that drug abuse is a sociological issue rooted in child development challenges: “They’re only looking at drug abuse from one perspective, smoking. But alcohol is also a drug. Are they protesting against alcohol, too? In Kenya, alcohol has been banned in public spaces. Are these advocates child development experts? Or are they just people who don’t want to see drugs at all? Because that’s unrealistic.”
According to him, use of illicit drug is often a coping mechanism employed by people with depression or mental health struggles.
“This is a victimless crime in some cases. People use drugs because they are depressed or looking for relief. We need expert advice, not just marches.”
Another resident, Gabriel B. Slobert, however, welcomed the initiative, noting that today’s march is a human-interest issue, not political.
“Our young people are dying from drugs and substance abuse. I want to thank the organizers. I will definitely be at the march”, Gabriel said.
He praised government’s endorsement of the protest as a sign of serious commitment.
“The government supporting the march shows they are beginning to take the drug issue seriously.”
But Robert P. Zlatan said, Why should people protest when there is already a drug law on the books? He added, “Just implement it.”
He criticized government’s lack of action in enforcing the drug law and strengthening security forces, especially the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
“What’s the point of endorsing marches when you can’t even control the security sector or make use of rehabilitation centers built under the Weah administration?” He asked.
On the contrary, Moses Andrew applauds the government for its current intervention, saying, “This issue should not be politicized. It’s a national concern. I applaud the government for backing the peaceful protest.”
However, he notes challenges in enforcing the drugs law.
“Implementation is the real problem. Drug dealers are arrested, but released within a day or two. If enforcement remains weak, we’ll continue to face this crisis.”
Rufuson P.C. Diggs, III, of Slipway Cow Field Community in central Monrovia, emphasizes transparency and accountability in the government’s fight against drugs.
“We will speak strongly against drugs and call for more transparency. Some government officials are reportedly involved in the drug trade. That’s why it feels strange when the same government claims to be fighting drugs”, he alleges.
He underscores that citizens should be the ones leading the fight, saying, it’s ironic when the same people who are part of the problem pretend to be the solution.”
Kabineh S. Fofana agrees that the rally is a good initiative but emphasizes that implementation remains the most critical factor.
“If we cannot enforce the drugs law in Liberia, we will be fighting this battle for a very long time.”
Liberian Senate President Pro-Tempore, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, recently lauded national efforts to combat drug abuse, pledging full support to awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and reintegration initiatives across Liberia.
Senator Karnga-Lawrence reiterated her commitment to supporting anti-drug efforts and called for unified national action to address the situation that President Joseph Boakai has described as a national health crisis. Editing by Jonathan Browne
