Liberia: MOVEE, CDC, and CMC Women Groups Condemn ‘Deceptive’ Drug Fight Amid National Protest

Monrovia – In a rare show of bipartisan solidarity, the National Women’s Leagues of three political parties—the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), and the Citizen Movement for Change (CMC)—have launched a scathing critique of President Joseph Boakai’s administration, accusing it of staging a deceptive and selective fight against the country’s deepening drug crisis.

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By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

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In a joint statement, the groups called for urgent and sincere government action ahead of the August 7 National Anti-Drug Protest, saying Liberians, especially mothers, are tired of watching their children die from addiction while those in power protect the real enablers of the trade.

“We are raising our voices against the mockery of President Boakai’s promises to rescue Liberia’s youth from the scourge of addiction,” the groups said in a joint statement. “His government, rife with deception, has continually failed our children, while political actors engage in a dangerous charade.”

The women’s leagues expressed alarm over recent reports linking individuals with close ties to the President to drug-related crimes. They singled out the alleged arrest and subsequent secret release of Dominic Morlu, reportedly caught with narcotics valued at over US$295,000. Morlu is said to be an associate of the President and his son, Tantan Boakai.

The women also pointed to reports that George Obi, also known as “Original Japan,” a notorious drug dealer, was allegedly pardoned as part of the President’s July 26 clemency package—allegedly due to ties with the President’s inner circle.

“This represents an outrageous betrayal of the very citizens they pledged to protect,” said Angeline Gborie, National Chairlady of the MOVEE Women’s League.

The statement further criticized the government for what it described as “political theatrics,” accusing President Boakai, lawmakers, and security officials of endorsing marches and issuing press statements while failing to act decisively behind the scenes.

“They should not be marching—they should be taking action,” said Ms. Fatu Swaray, National Chairlady of the CDC Women’s League.

The joint statement called on the Director of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police to restore public trust by ensuring that arrests and prosecutions are transparent and impartial.

“As mothers and leaders, we demand that the fight against drugs be genuine, not staged for optics,” added Ms. Alice Baysah, National Chairlady of the CMC.

The women’s leagues reaffirmed their support for the August 7 protest and vowed to march in solidarity with victims of drug addiction and their families. They also urged members and supporters to turn out in large numbers to demand real accountability from the government.

“The time for words is over,” the statement concluded. “History will remember those who stood in solidarity with the victims and took meaningful action. No more mockery—only results.”