MONROVIA – Former President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate, Hon. Armah Zolu Jallah, has issued a passionate call to action against the rising tide of drug abuse in Liberia, declaring it a national emergency that demands immediate, united, and compassionate response from government, civil society, and communities alike.
In a keynote address delivered on Saturday, April 26, 2025, by Prince T. Kollie on his behalf, Jallah emphasized that Liberia’s battle with drug abuse has become a full-blown national emergency. The speech was given at an event organized by the Empowered Muslim Sisters Against Substance Abuse (EMSASA) and the Movement of the Transformation Youth Wayward of Reintegration (MOTARWY). The gathering, held in Caldwell and Paynesville, brought together civil society members, community leaders, and activists to highlight the rising threat of drug addiction across the country.
He extended gratitude to the organizers and applauded Amb. Annette Z. Skaiky and Amb. Anthony Nimley for their leadership, noting that Liberia, long scarred by years of civil unrest, now faces a new war, one that is quietly destroying the dreams and lives of its youth. “Liberia is now battling a new and dangerous enemy, the silent war on drugs. Our youth, the future of this great Republic, are being ravaged by addiction. Communities are breaking. Families are suffering,” Jallah declared.
The former Senate leader questioned the sharp decline in drug raids and arrests since the removal of Col. Abraham Kromah from the Drug Enforcement Agency, wondering aloud whether the drop signals a lack of enforcement or something more troubling. “We must ask: is it that we no longer have drug importation and sales happening in the country? Or is it something else?” he asked, urging greater transparency and accountability from security agencies.
Framing drug abuse as a public health crisis, social challenge, and moral emergency, Jallah said laws must be backed by empathy. “Legislation alone is not enough. We must match our laws with compassion, with a system that helps users recover, not just punishes them,” he stressed.
Jallah outlined several recommendations to help tackle the problem, including investment in rehabilitation centers, training of mental health professionals, nationwide drug education, mandatory drug testing for all DEA and security personnel, and closer collaboration between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to disrupt the drug supply chain.
While acknowledging the role of government, he highlighted the indispensable contributions of civil society and grassroots movements. “From counseling centers to awareness campaigns, these organizations, like your Muslim youth movement, have walked hand in hand with our vulnerable youth,” he noted.
Addressing community leaders directly, from chiefs and elders to teachers and religious figures, Jallah called them “custodians of change” who must use their influence to educate, intervene, and report. “It is in our towns, in our villages, in our marketplaces, where the first line of defense must be built,” he said.
He concluded with a fervent appeal for unity and collective resolve. “Let us rise above politics and personal interests to build a united front. Let us invest in prevention. Let us believe in rehabilitation. Let us restore hope,” he urged. “Together, we can save a generation. Together, we can heal our nation.”
