Liberia: ANC Demands Independent Probe Into Narcotics Case, Warns Against Selective Justice

Monrovia — The Alternative National Congress has called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into Liberia’s ongoing narcotics probe, warning the government against using the case to selectively target political opponents.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

The ANC’s call follows the arrest of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor amid investigations into a major transnational cocaine operation.

In a statement issued Monday, the opposition political movement said Howard-Taylor, as a former Vice President and opposition leader, is entitled to constitutional protections, dignity, due process and the presumption of innocence.

The ANC, in a statement issued by Secretariat, stressed that her political status should place her neither above nor beneath the law, arguing that allegations against her must be established in court rather than through “public spectacle, political maneuvering, or trial by media.”

The party said it supports efforts by the government and security authorities to uncover the full extent of narcotics networks operating within and through Liberia, describing the movement of large quantities of illegal drugs across the country’s borders as a threat to national security, public health and the future of Liberian youth.

However, the ANC warned that “justice must never be selective.”

The party expressed concern over what it described as a growing perception that the government is targeting individuals associated with the former Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), while questions about alleged involvement of individuals linked to the ruling Unity Party administration remain unresolved.

The ANC noted that the latest major drug bust occurred three years into the current administration and argued that authorities must investigate all individuals reasonably suspected of involvement, regardless of political affiliation or government position.

It also pointed to public comments by Liberia’s Inspector General of Police indicating that senior government officials had been implicated in the investigation.

“If the rule of law is to have meaning, then the law must pursue every person reasonably suspected of involvement—whether affiliated with the opposition, the ruling party, the security establishment, or any other institution—with the same vigor and impartiality,” the ANC said.

ANC Wants Entire Narcotics Network Exposed

The opposition group is demanding a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying every individual or entity that may have financed, facilitated, protected, transported or otherwise participated in the alleged narcotics operations.

It said no political affiliation, government position, security role or personal connection should shield anyone from accountability.

At the same time, the ANC cautioned the government against turning criminal investigations into instruments of political competition.

“Political opponents must be defeated at the ballot box through superior ideas, competent leadership, and a convincing vision for Liberia—not through the weaponization or selective use of state institutions,” the statement said.

The ANC is therefore calling on the government to establish an independent and credible investigation, follow the evidence regardless of political affiliation or government status, apply the law equally and protect the constitutional rights of everyone under investigation.

The party also wants the government to provide the Liberian public with transparent answers about the scope of the narcotics operation and the identities of those responsible for facilitating it.

The ANC concluded with a direct message to the government: “Justice—not partisan politics—must direct the actions of the state.”

“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by ANC Secretary General Desmond U. Nimely and approved by National Chairman Cllr. Lafayette E.O. Gould.