MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed retired Major General Daniel Dee Ziankahn Jr. as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), replacing Deputy Police Commissioner Fitzgerald T. M. Biago, who had been serving as the agency’s officer in charge amid a widening cocaine investigation.
By Jaheim T. Toby
The appointment, announced Monday by the Executive Mansion, is subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Ziankahn, a former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia and former Minister of National Defense, most recently served as President Boakai’s Military Advisor. His appointment comes as the government faces mounting pressure over Liberia’s handling of major narcotics seizures, including the interception of nearly four tons of cocaine in Paynesville valued at about US$317 million.
The Executive Mansion said the appointment reflects Boakai’s determination to strengthen Liberia’s response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
“His appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and operational experience, and signals the Administration’s determination to elevate Liberia’s fight against drugs to a new level,” the statement said.
Under the new arrangement, Ziankahn will report directly to the President in consultation with the Minister of Justice.
Boakai also appointed Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration. Both appointments are also subject to Senate confirmation.
The three appointees have been directed to assume their responsibilities immediately in an acting capacity pending legislative confirmation when the Senate returns later this year.
Ernest Tarpeh, who previously served as Deputy Director General of the LDEA, will return to his former assignment at the National Security Agency.
Biago Suspended Amid Ethical Concerns
The leadership change follows the decision by Biago to step aside earlier this week and submit himself to investigation after allegations emerged that he had received a vehicle as a gift from Leroy Harris, a suspect in the US$317 million cocaine case.
Biago has denied the allegation and said he voluntarily stepped aside to allow the investigation to proceed.
According to the Executive Mansion, President Boakai has now indefinitely suspended Biago from the Liberia National Police over what it described as “ethical transgressions” and ordered a more detailed investigation.
The President’s decision followed a review of the Ministry of Justice investigative report.
The report, according to the Executive Mansion, did not establish Biago’s involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking, but raised ethical concerns requiring further scrutiny to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate action should be taken.
The development comes against the backdrop of a series of high-profile cocaine seizures that have placed Liberia’s law enforcement and security institutions under intense scrutiny.
The government has maintained that the fight against narcotics trafficking is a national security priority, with President Boakai repeatedly describing drug trafficking as one of the gravest threats to Liberia’s security, public health and future development.
‘No Safe Haven’
Following a marathon meeting of the National Security Council on Monday evening, Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investigating allegations of misconduct while respecting due process.
The President said allegations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing, but stressed that public officials must remain accountable when questions about their conduct arise.
“No individual will be condemned without evidence, but no public official will be exempt from accountability where questions of integrity arise,” the Executive Mansion quoted the President as saying.
Boakai directed the new LDEA leadership to work with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, strengthen border security and improve intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
He also called for stronger measures to protect Liberian communities, particularly young people, from the impact of illicit drugs.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” Boakai said.
“We will continue to strengthen our institutions, hold public officials to the highest ethical standards, and pursue those who seek to poison our communities. There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them.”
The appointments mark the latest major shake-up of Liberia’s anti-narcotics apparatus as authorities continue investigations into the country’s increasingly high-profile cocaine cases.
