MONROVIA – A political commentator and strong critic of the ruling Unity Party and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Togar Alexander Bealded, has launched a scathing critique of the government’s approach to Liberia’s growing drug epidemic, warning against hypocrisy and political exploitation of national protests aimed at addressing the crisis.
Bealded’s remarks come just days before the highly anticipated August 7 protest, which has gained traction on social media and among communities devastated by the effects of narcotics. In a statement widely shared online, he emphasized that Liberia’s fight against drugs must be grounded in sincerity, not political performance or public relations gimmicks.
“I write today with a heavy heart and deep empathy for the countless women and families across Liberia who are losing their children, our nation’s future, to the scourge of drugs,” Bealded stated. “This crisis is not abstract. It lives with us, in our homes, our streets, our communities. Mothers are crying themselves to sleep. Fathers are losing hope. A generation is slipping through our fingers while political actors engage in hypocrisy and pretense.”
Bealded took aim at officials of the so-called “Rescue Mission,” referencing President Boakai’s administration, accusing them of abandoning the promises made during the campaign to aggressively combat drugs. “Today, these very individuals are taking to social media to endorse the protest, calling for an end to the same drug menace they once claimed they would solve. Why hasn’t this administration done enough, despite riding to power on the promise to fight drugs?” he asked.
What has fueled further public skepticism are photographs reportedly circulating online, showing some individuals allegedly linked to Liberia’s drug trade in close proximity to President Boakai and his son, Tantan. Bealded raised alarms over the implications of such associations. “These images raise serious concerns about the sincerity of the fight against narcotics. Where are the results? Where are the prosecutions? What is the status of these cases?” he demanded.
He questioned whether the government could genuinely dismantle the drug network when those allegedly fueling it appear to enjoy access to the nation’s highest office. “How can we expect to dismantle a crisis when the alleged architects of that crisis are in close proximity to the highest office of the land?” Bealded said.
In a tone of urgency and empathy, Bealded appealed for the upcoming protest to be led by the true victims: families torn apart by addiction, parents who have buried their children, and communities suffering in silence. “We must not allow this protest to be hijacked by those who have sat idly in government, turned a blind eye, and now wish to parade themselves as champions of a cause they’ve failed to confront.”
“To the hypocrites attempting to use this moment to cleanse their image: stop the mockery. This is not a stage for political theatrics. This is a battlefield of humanity, a war for the soul of our nation,” he declared.
He emphasized that the protest should transcend social media buzz and political opportunism. “Let this protest not be about optics or likes on Facebook. Let it be about truth, justice, and the genuine will to save Liberia from a slow, painful death at the hands of drugs. If we are truly serious, we must be honest. We must be brave. And above all, we must be compassionate to the families suffering in silence.”
Bealded concluded by warning that history will judge not those who posted hashtags, but those who stood up and took action. “History will not remember those who posted; it will remember those who stood.”
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