All doesn’t seem well with the diplomatic tie between Liberia and Sierra Leone at the moment as the neighboring Country expresses bitterness towards the arrest of its Soldier on allegation of drugs smuggling in Liberia.
Making the disclosure was the Liberian Senate Committee Chair on Security, Momo Cyrus who openly voiced his intelligence received on the matter.
According to the Lofa County Senator, his has been informed that neighboring Sierra government is angry about the manner and form in which the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) handled the arrest with their soldier seen wearing army uniform.
The diplomatic tie could be tempered with as the result of the arrest made by the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency.
On June 3, 2024, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) arrested 47-year-old Sierra Leonean soldier named Seryai Saffa for allegedly trafficking marijuana.
According to an LDEA release, Saffa was apprehended with twenty-two plates of compressed marijuana at the Bo Waterside port of entry in Grand Cape Mount County.
The LDEA’s official statement revealed that Saffa is currently in custody, facing serious drug trafficking charges.
This incident raises significant questions about jurisdiction and the appropriate venue for Saffa’s prosecution.
Authorities are now deliberating whether Saffa should be extradited to Sierra Leone for trial or prosecuted within Liberia.
This case has sparked a debate on international cooperation and legal processes in drug-related crimes involving foreign nationals.
Unveiling the issue, Senator Momo Cyrus said that the situation has diplomatic and military implication that should have been handled with caution.
“From my intelligence, the government of Sierra is not taking this issue lightly”, the Lofa County Lawmaker said, stressing the urgent need both countries to have a roundtable discussion.
Senator Momo Cyrus believes the suspect should not have been arrested in such a manner and form especially in another country’s Army uniform.
He said the situation poses serious threat to the military and diplomatic coordination between both countries.
Though Verity news has not come across any public statements from the governments of Sierra Leone and Liberia on the mater, it is incumbent upon the government of Liberia to arrest the growing anger from its neighboring country and put it to rest.
Sierra Leone and Liberia over the years have enjoyed strong diplomatic tie as both countries have representatives and share economic, social and security bounds.
