“Liberia Will Not Become a Narco State”: Foreign Minister Nyanti Defends Government’s Drug War, Details MFA’s Role in Global Investigations and Diplomatic Engagement
BY: Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, stating that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. is leading a focused, principled, and structured national campaign to ensure Liberia does not become a narco state.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Nyanti said the President has directed cabinet and diplomatic officials to conduct government business with transparency and credibility, not through social media or propaganda.
“The objective is clear: Liberia will not become a narco state,” Minister Nyanti stated.
“President Boakai has been keen and consistent; he has made it clear to us at cabinet level and in bilateral engagements that this administration will be guided by strategy, facts, and results.”
MFA Leading Liberia’s Global Diplomatic Push:
Minister Nyanti highlighted Liberia’s elevated standing on the international stage, noting that as of August 1, 2026, Liberia is coordinating the African Group of Three and the Elected 10 at the United Nations Security Council.[A3][E10]
“Liberia is leading the voice of Africa this month,” she said. “We are driving conversations on peace and security.
Last night alone, several foreign ministers called my office seeking Liberia’s position. This is a major responsibility for our country.”
The Foreign Minister disclosed that Liberia has served as a diplomatic bridge in West Africa, citing her recent missions to Sudan and South Sudan.
She noted that following her meeting with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Khartoum, the African Union and subsequently the United Nations returned operations to the capital.
“These are the big things Liberia is doing that we don’t always talk about due to the sensitive nature of global security,” Minister Nyanti said.
“We are meeting world leaders. We are moving into territories that are dangerous, because Liberia’s voice now matters.”
International Support for Drug Investigation:
Addressing the ongoing investigation into the $370 million drug seizure, Minister Nyanti said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a member of the National Security Council, has been actively engaging international partners to support Liberia’s law enforcement efforts.
She confirmed direct engagements with the United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Morocco, Rwanda and other partners.
“At the request of the Inspector General of Police and with talking points provided by the Solicitor General, I was able to speak with advisors in the White House Situation Room and the U.S. National Security Council,” she revealed.
“Within 24 to 48 hours, we had U.S. Department of Justice personnel boots on the ground to help expand the scope of this investigation.”
Minister Nyanti was emphatic that prosecution will take place in Liberia.
“This is a Liberia matter. Anyone who violated our laws will be prosecuted here on our soil, under Liberian law. Our partners are here to support our investigation, not to take our citizens away.”
Clarifying Role of MFA on Diplomatic Cargo:
The Foreign Minister also addressed public speculation linking diplomatic cargo to drug trafficking, providing a legal clarification on the Ministry’s role.
“Let me be very clear: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not involved in the shipping of diplomatic cargo,” she said.
“Under the Vienna Convention, embassies are entitled to duty-free diplomatic pouches.
The Chief of Protocol only verifies diplomatic status. The request then goes to the LRA. We do not see, handle, or know the contents of diplomatic shipments.”
She challenged anyone with credible information to present evidence to the Joint Security and the National Security Council.
“When you make accusations without evidence, you are not just targeting me.
You are undermining our bilateral relations and the very partners who are helping us win this fight,” she said.
Call for National Unity:
Minister Nyanti concluded by calling for responsible public discourse, warning that misinformation undermines Liberia’s credible investigation and international image.
“We have worked for decades to reposition Liberia,” she said. “We now have a new face and a new name. When we tear each other down, we are tearing Liberia down. Let us be credible. Let us work together.”
She commended the Inspector General of Police, the Solicitor General, and members of the Joint Security for their coordination, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains “part of the solution.”