Monrovia — In an extraordinary display of cross-sector unity, government ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, and individuals with lived experiences came together in Monrovia for a historic policy dialogue organized by the Citizen Bureau for Development and Productivity (CBP) under the ENACT Project, in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
By Jaheim T. [email protected]
Under the theme “Breaking the Cycle: Liberia’s Youth Gang and Drug Crises,” this dialogue delivered a crucial message: Liberia’s escalating drug epidemic—marked by a significant increase in Kush use—is a national emergency that demands urgent, coordinated, and community-led solutions.
“Addiction Must Be Addressed as a Public Health Challenge” — Ministry of Health
Representing the Ministry of Health (MOH), Terry Socro emphasized the need for a paradigm shift from punishment to care in addressing addiction.
“We must treat addiction as a public health issue,” Socro stated, announcing the Ministry’s commitment to immediately facilitate the admission of two drug users from the dialogue into accredited rehabilitation centers.
He further articulated that the MOH is prepared to strengthen collaboration with community groups and civil society organizations to broaden mental health and substance abuse support services across the nation.
Justice Ministry: “Collaboration Is Our Most Powerful Tool”
Wilson W. Boe, representing the Ministry of Justice, showcased the government’s newly developed Plan of Action to Combat Drug Abuse, affirming that no single institution can succeed in this endeavor alone.
“Collaboration is our most powerful tool,” he declared, drawing inspiration from Ghana’s community-led health mobilization model, which played a critical role in the Ebola eradication efforts, as a guiding framework for Liberia’s anti-drug strategy.
Boe commended the Citizen Bureau for “creating a vital platform where citizens, policymakers, and affected youth can engage constructively.”
DEA: “This Government Is Committed — No Compromise in This Fight”
Christopher C. Tokpah, representative of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
“This government is committed—there will be no compromise in this fight,” he declared, referencing bolstered governmental support that includes new operational vehicles and the removal of compromised personnel.
Tokpah announced plans for a formal partnership with the Citizen Bureau, stating, “Civil society organizations possess the networks and mobilization capabilities needed to expedite this fight. Collaborating with the Citizen Bureau will enable us to reach communities more efficiently.”
He also voiced support for youth-led drug awareness campaigns and community-based alternatives for youth struggling with addiction who lack access to treatment.
Liberia National Police: “This Must Be a Comprehensive, Community-Driven Response”
Assistant Commissioner of Community Policing, Samuel G. Ford, echoed the call for shared responsibility:
“This must be a comprehensive, community-driven response,” he asserted, drawing parallels to Liberia’s successful Ebola response. “Community leadership was essential then, and it must be again.”
Ford committed to bolstering partnerships with community structures and rehabilitation centers to preempt drug-driven crime.
Community Crime Watch: “We Need Partnerships, Not Fear”
Leaders from Community Crime Watch urged security agencies to prioritize trust-building over intimidation.
“We need partnerships, not fear,” one chairperson emphasized. “Drug users and even local dealers are part of our community. Involving community leaders will make identification and intervention much more efficient.”
He cautioned against militarized raids that foster fear and obstruct cooperation.
Rehabilitation Workers: “Recovery Is Possible When Communities Extend Compassion”
Rehabilitation professionals underscored the growing demand for psychosocial services against a backdrop of funding constraints.
They praised the dialogue’s inclusive approach: “Recovery is possible when communities extend compassion,” one service provider remarked, applauding the inclusion of drug users as a significant stride toward stigma-free, evidence-based care.
Voices from the Shadows — Drug Users: “We Seek Help. We Want a Second Chance.”
Two young Liberians courageously shared their struggles with addiction, illuminating the daily adversities they face and the obstacles to treatment.
“We seek help. We want a second chance,” one expressed. Both conveyed their readiness to enter rehabilitation, provided they receive structured and consistent support. Their poignant testimonies reinforced the central theme of the dialogue: Liberia’s drug response must be characterized by compassion, accessibility, and community engagement.
A Shared Roadmap: The Path Forward
Participants unanimously endorsed a consolidated action plan: a nationwide scale-up of the Citizen Bureau initiative, citing its research-driven and community-focused approach as essential for achieving sustainable change in Liberia’s fight against drug abuse and youth gang involvement.
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