The promised “Rescue Mission” led by President Joseph Boakai’s government seems to be faltering in its fight against drugs.
The once-hopeful outlook on tackling drug-related issues has now been overshadowed by internal strife and instability within the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Amidst the growing concerns of a weakened fight against drugs, key officials at the agency, Director General Abraham Kromah and Deputy Director for Operation Hassan Fadiga, have found themselves entangled in a bitter feud.
Their public altercation on June 3, 2024, not only led to an embarrassing involvement of the Liberia National Police but also highlighted the disarray within the country’s security sector.
Criticism from both the public and political figures, including Bomi County Senator Snowe, has intensified. Senator Snowe questioned the effectiveness of the so-called “Rescue Mission” in combatting drug-related issues, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the internal conflicts at the LDEA.
The Senate Committee on Security Chair Momo Cyrus added his voice to that of Senator Edwin Snowe expressing his frustration over the situation.
Senator Cyrus who expressed his committee’s commitment to probe the matter added that it was to his disbelieve to have seen such altercation at the LDEA that suppose to be a strong arm on the fight against drugs.
“As Chair on security, it bleeds my heart and we will do all we can to put the matter to rest” Senator Cyrus said in their Tuesday’s session when the matter was discussed.
The ongoing discord at the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency has cast a shadow over President Boakai’s commitment to tackling drug problems. Despite declaring drugs, a national emergency in his inaugural State of the Nation Address, the president is now facing scrutiny for the government’s inability to curb the importation and consumption of drugs in Liberia.
With parallels drawn to the troubled tenure of former President George Weah, where drug-related issues plagued his administration, Liberians are once again facing uncertainty. The echoes of past frustrations and political consequences loom large, signaling a potential repeat of history if decisive action is not taken to restore order within the LDEA.
As Liberia navigates through this period, the fate of the country’s fight against drugs hangs in the balance, leaving citizens questioning the government’s capacity to deliver on its promises of a drug-free nation.
