By Senator Amara M. Konneh
Liberia’s growing narcotics crisis exposes a disturbing pattern in the administration of justice. Whenever multimillion-dollar cocaine syndicates are uncovered, junior security officers are promptly suspended or dismissed, often without due process or the opportunity to defend themselves. Meanwhile, senior officials who oversee these compromised officers in the command structures of our security forces remain in their positions, protected and even authorized to supervise investigations into their own institutions.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝
Small officers are sacrificed to create a false media spectacle, while the true architects walk free.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭
As the previous administration handled the $100 million narcotics case, this government’s handling of the ongoing cocaine case undermines trust. Liberians can see that those in power are protected while others are punished. When senior officials remain untouched and junior officers are scapegoated, it is clear that the fight against narcotics is driven by political convenience rather than national security. No nation can win a drug war when its own institutions are compromised. This is not the leadership the President promised when he vowed to confront impunity and dismantle the networks destroying our youth.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
Telling critics to “watch their mouths” does nothing to bolster the security sector. Instead, it intensifies the culture of fear and impunity that has weakened Liberia for years. This will not conceal the corruption within our security institutions.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
Drug trafficking devastates our youth, finances criminal networks, and destabilizes the nation, especially with the northern border with Guinea already under strain. A government that penalizes the grassroots while shielding the powerful is not fighting a drug war—it’s protecting a cartel network.
Removing compromised officials from their posts without presenting them before a judge directly undermines the rule of law. It indicates that certain individuals are above criminal accountability, even when their actions threaten national security. This also sends a clear message that the justice system is applied differently depending on one’s rank or connections.
International narcotics operations cannot be dismissed as mere administrative issues. Suspensions and quiet transfers do not constitute justice. If security officials who have been removed are not held to the same legal standards as ordinary officers, then “Kush Must Go” was never a genuine policy. It was nothing more than a slogan. As a result, Liberia’s justice system remains fundamentally compromised.
Liberia faces a pivotal moment. Silence will only steer the nation further off course. Speaking out is essential for genuine change.
When I supported President Boakai, I did not seek a position. I asked for action against illicit drugs and the culture of impunity. He assured me he would deliver. I said this during my endorsement speech. Liberians are still waiting. We will not stay silent.
