“Liberia Needs Action, Not Ceremonies”: Redeemed Liberia Movement Urges Boakai to Cancel Drug Day Events, Declare National Emergency
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Anti-Drug Group Urges Boakai Government to Cancel June 26 Events, Declare National Emergency on Substance Abuse
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Redeemed Liberia Movement has called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration to cancel all ceremonial observances for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, arguing that Liberia faces a crisis too severe for celebration.
In a press statement released Friday, the group said any government-sponsored events, festivities, or PR activities tied to this year’s observance are “misguided, insensitive, untimely, and unacceptable” while communities grapple with widespread drug abuse.
“Liberians are asking one simple question: What exactly is there to celebrate?” the group stated. “Across our communities, kush, cocaine, marijuana, tramadol, and other deadly substances are destroying lives. Schools are struggling. Families are breaking. Communities are unsafe.”
The Movement highlighted systemic gaps: rising drug abuse among vulnerable youth, scarce rehabilitation facilities, unfunded prevention programs, lack of anti-drug education in schools, and a perception that anti-drug enforcement targets poor users while “cartels and big shots” remain untouched.
Citing the recent $19.2 million narcotics seizure at Roberts International Airport, the group said the incident exposed the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking into Liberia.
While welcoming the bust, it expressed concern over “slow investigation and lack of public information on arrests and prosecutions,” warning that delays erode public trust.
“Whether justified or not, silence, delay, and secrecy breed suspicion,” the statement said. “Matters involving national security, our youth, and millions in illicit drugs cannot be handled behind closed doors.”
The Redeemed Liberia Movement demanded eight immediate actions from government:
- Cancel all ceremonial activities tied to the June 26 observance
- Redirect available funds to rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention
- Declare drug abuse a National Emergency requiring coordinated action across ministries
- Establish and fully fund rehabilitation and mental health facilities in all 15 counties
- Launch a nationwide anti-drug intervention with clear targets, deadlines, and public accountability
- Provide direct support to schools, churches, mosques, and community groups leading prevention
- Present a comprehensive national strategy to confront the crisis
- Direct the Ministry of Justice to expedite the RIA drug investigation with regular public updates and ensure justice “without fear or favor”
“Leadership is not measured by attendance at ceremonies, It is measured by the courage to confront national emergencies with transparency and urgency,” the group said.
“Liberia does not need another event. Liberia needs a national response. The time for symbols is over. The time for decisive action is now.”