Boakai Assures Due Process for Former Vice President Taylor

Monrovia— President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has assured Liberians and the international community that former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor is being treated in full compliance with Liberia’s Constitution and laws following her arrest and detention.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh [email protected] 

In a special national address on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, President Boakai said his administration remains committed to enforcing the law “without fear or favor” while protecting the constitutional rights of every person.

Addressing the arrest and detention of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, President Boakai acknowledged the national and international attention generated by the case.

“I assure every Liberian, our regional neighbors, and our international partners that former Vice President Taylor is being treated in full compliance with the Constitution and laws of Liberia,” he said.

The President stressed that Taylor is presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel, and is entitled to due process.

“She is presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel, and is entitled to due process, which will be upheld,” Boakai added.

He said the former Vice President was arrested and charged in accordance with established legal procedures, while making clear that determining her guilt or innocence is not the responsibility of the President.

“It is not the President’s role to determine guilt or innocence. That responsibility belongs to our independent justice system,” Boakai stated.

The President’s address comes amid growing public discussion and concern over recent developments surrounding the government’s intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking, organized crime, and money laundering.

Boakai said it was his responsibility to speak directly to the Liberian people and assure them that justice would be pursued “firmly, fairly, and independently.”

He emphasized that upholding the rule of law remains fundamental to his administration, noting that progress in the economy, education, infrastructure, and public institutions cannot be sustained without strong respect for constitutional principles.

Drugs a National Security Threat

President Boakai described illicit drugs and organized crime as among the greatest threats facing Liberia, warning that narcotics are destroying young lives, weakening families, fueling violence, and threatening the country’s future.

“This is not simply a law enforcement issue; it is a national security and moral issue,” Boakai declared.

He said his administration has intensified the fight against narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime, with security institutions directed to operate professionally, independently, and without fear or favor.

According to the President, Liberian security agencies are working with national and international partners to prevent the country from becoming a transit point for illegal drugs or a safe haven for criminal networks.

“Let me be clear: this campaign is deliberate, coordinated, and unrelenting,” he said, adding that the campaign is intended to defend the Liberian people and safeguard the nation’s future.

He urged citizens to allow the courts to determine the outcome of the case rather than relying on political considerations, rumors, conjecture, or public pressure.

‘Law Must Apply Equally’

President Boakai further pledged that his administration would neither persecute nor shield anyone based on political affiliation, public office, social status, or influence.

“Whether one has held high office, served in government, led a business, or lived as an ordinary citizen, the law must apply equally to all,” he said.

He also commended members of the Joint Security for their professionalism, courage, and commitment to duty, while urging them to remain steadfast, impartial, and respectful of the rights and dignity of all citizens.

Boakai warned against attempts to intimidate security personnel or undermine the anti-drug campaign through misinformation.

Boakai Calls for Public Responsibility

The President acknowledged that the fight against drugs and organized crime cannot be won by government alone.

He called on parents, communities, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders, and young people to support prevention efforts, reject misinformation, report criminal activity through lawful channels, and allow due process to take its course.

Boakai also urged political and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and public commentators to exercise responsibility in their statements and actions.

“Differences of opinion are healthy in a democracy, but we must reject words and actions that incite violence, undermine institutions, or seek to intimidate those enforcing our laws,” he said.

The President warned that Liberia must not return to a culture where justice is influenced by fear, power, or political pressure, noting the country’s history of conflict, hardship, and division.

“Let us preserve that peace by upholding the Constitution and strengthening the institutions that safeguard our democracy,” he urged.

Boakai concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, accountability, and peace.

“We will govern without fear or favor, protect every citizen’s rights, and build a Liberia where peace is preserved, justice is impartial, and accountability applies equally to all,” the President said.