MONROVIA-Thousands of Liberians have petitioned the government to declare the country’s drug crisis a pandemic, warning that inaction will doom an entire generation.
The petition, submitted under the banner “Say No to Drugs,” outlines demand for legislative and executive action, describing the spread of illicit drug use as a threat more dangerous than war. Titled “A Cry to Save a Dying Generation and Protect Our Future,” the document urges the government to respond to the crisis with the same urgency as previous national health emergencies like Ebola and COVID-19.
“Our beloved Liberia is bleeding from within,” the petition reads. “Every day, we witness the heartbreaking sights of our family and friends lying on street corners like the living dead.”
Addressed to President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and the leadership of the Legislature, the petition demands bold measures, including a Presidential Executive Order declaring drugs a national pandemic, the creation of a joint Anti-Drug Task Force, and a minimum 20-year sentence for those convicted of first-degree drug felonies.
The group also calls for a specialized drug court, a national anti-drug agency, and the reduction of customs tariffs on drug treatment supplies. Additionally, it demands that the government make drug rehabilitation free at all public facilities and allocate a portion of alcohol, tobacco, and gambling taxes to an Anti-Drug Fund.
Citing an April 2023 report by the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), the petition says Monrovia and its surroundings host more than 866 ghettos with over 100,000 chronic drug users. It warns that traffickers continue to operate freely, shielded by weak laws, light bail conditions, and complicity from authorities.
“We are not asking for vengeance. We are asking for justice and protection,” the petitioners said. “If you fail to act, Liberia will lose its next generation.”
The campaigners, who marched in protest and solidarity, said they are ready to work with the government to craft and implement policy reforms. “Liberia cannot rise while her children are falling.”.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
