MONROVIA – Thousands of Liberians have taken to the streets in a nationwide protest against the growing presence of illicit drugs in the country—braving heavy rains to make their voices heard.
In Monrovia, the capital, men, women, and young people dressed in black marched through the streets holding placards with bold anti-drug messages. Their message is clear: the country’s drug crisis is spiraling out of control, and immediate, decisive action is needed.
The protesters are demanding stronger government intervention to curb the rise in drug abuse and trafficking, which they say is destroying the future of Liberia’s youth.
The issue has sparked alarm nationwide, as increasing numbers of young Liberians fall prey to dangerous substances in a country still rebuilding after years of civil conflict.
Calls echoed through the streets for more support to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), tougher border security, and stricter punishment for drug dealers and traffickers.
President Joseph Boakai, who has identified drug control as one of his administration’s top priorities, welcomed the protest and praised citizens for taking a stand.
In a statement, he vowed to introduce additional strategies to confront the crisis and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting the scourge.
“This is a fight we must face together,” the President said. “We cannot allow drugs to steal the future of our nation. The voices of our people are loud and clear, and we will respond.”
The protest is being hailed as one of the largest civic demonstrations in Liberia in recent years, reflecting the urgency and frustration felt by many.
As the rain intensifies organizers are expressing hope that their message will struck a chord—and that action will follow.
Trokon S. Wrepue is a Liberian journalist with 9 years of experience in the practice of journalism. Over the years, Trokon has reported on women and children issues, investigated public and private sectors corruption, environmental challenges and other critical human interest stories. He is currently the Editor of News for OK FM, one of Liberia’s premier media institutions in Monrovia. Besides being a journalist, Trokon is also a Mandela Washington Fellow. In 2022, he travelled to California in the US where he studied leadership, culture and diversities at the California State University. In 2023, he travelled to Johannesburg in South Africa and attended the Mandela Washington Fellowship Symposium of Young African Leaders.
