By Archie Ayouba Boan
Anti-drug campaigner and leader of the “Say No to Drugs” movement, Roseline Amah Giddings, has announced plans to stage a sit-down protest at the Capitol Building on Thursday over growing concerns about drug trafficking and what she describes as a lack of answers from authorities.
Speaking ahead of the planned protest, Giddings said her frustration is both personal and national, noting the impact drug abuse has had on families across Liberia.
“I am angry once more. I know what it takes as a mother and a parent to have a child on drugs. I am a victim,” she said. “We have organized a sit-down protest at the Capitol Building this coming Thursday. We already wrote the Ministry of Justice for clearance and permission.”
She questioned what she described as silence surrounding the alleged importation and movement of a large quantity of drugs into the country, calling for full disclosure from relevant security and customs institutions.
“We cannot have a huge quantity of drugs in our country and still not know who owns it, who imported it, how it got here, or how it is leaving,” she said. “We need to see the cargo manifest. We need to know who handled it. We need answers from RIA, Customs, the LDEA, the LNP, and the NSA. We cannot be guessing.”
Giddings also warned that unclear handling of drug-related cases could damage Liberia’s international reputation, if not properly addressed.
“If that amount of drugs is in Liberia, then it means Liberia is becoming a hub. And if Liberia is a hub, that is not good for our country,” she said.
She further criticized what she sees as inconsistent enforcement of drug laws.
“The fight against drugs must be holistic, not selective. Our children are suffering. Drugs are everywhere again, and the people behind it seem to have regrouped,” she said.
Giddings vowed that protesters will remain at the Capitol until they receive answers from authorities.
“We are going to demand answers on Thursday. If we have to sleep there, we will sleep there. Rain or shine, we will sit until we get answers,” she said
