MONROVIA, Liberia — On Thursday, a substantial protest organized by women’s groups took to the streets of Monrovia, gathering thousands of participants to express serious concerns regarding the escalating drug epidemic in Liberia. The protesters demanded that the government declare a national emergency to address the crisis and implement stricter penalties for drug offenses.
Demonstrators, displaying banners and flags, delivered a petition to parliament that urged lawmakers to establish a special court dedicated to drug-related cases. Additionally, they called for the minimum jail sentence for first-degree drug offenses to be raised to 20 years, significantly higher than the current maximum.
Meanwhile, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia initiated a public awareness campaign on Wednesday aimed at reducing drug use, deploying its members to engage in community sensitization efforts.
According to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, approximately 20% of youths in the country are engaged in illicit drug use, with over 800 known drug dens operating within the capital alone. This situation mirrors similar challenges faced by neighboring nations such as Sierra Leone. The most prevalent substance in the region is “kush,” an inexpensive synthetic drug often laced with deadly opioids.
Addressing the drug problem was a significant part of President Joseph Boakai’s campaign during the 2023 election, but activists have criticized him for insufficient action to combat the issue since taking office.
In a statement, women’s groups from various political parties expressed frustration, stating, “We are raising our voices against the mockery of President Boakai’s promises to rescue Liberia’s youth from the scourge of addiction.”
Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, a leader from the female lawyers’ association, commented on the crisis, asserting that it is “destroying the future of our youth and women are bearing the brunt.”
One protester, Joanna Jah, shared her personal experience, revealing that her son has fallen victim to the drug crisis. “We have tried everything to keep them from the streets, but it has not worked. This is an opportunity to speak out loud — that’s why I took upon myself to form part of the march,” she stated.
