Monrovia – The Independent Civil Society Network of Liberia (ICSNL) has publicly thrown its support behind Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, condemning what it described as baseless allegations attempting to link her to recent high-profile narcotics seizures and alleged national security breaches.
In a statement issued Thursday, the organization said it was concerned by what it termed the growing spread of unverified claims against the foreign minister, stressing that public officials, political actors, media institutions, and civil society organizations must uphold the principles of fairness, due process, and the presumption of innocence.
The ICSNL warned that false accusations and rumors not only damage individual reputations but also erode public confidence in Liberia’s democratic institutions. It urged that any allegations against public officials be supported by credible evidence and addressed through established legal processes rather than through speculation or public attacks.
The organization further cautioned that misinformation surrounding the country’s recent multimillion-dollar drug seizures risks distracting attention from the broader fight against organized crime and corruption. According to the group, combating transnational drug trafficking requires coordinated institutional action grounded in facts rather than politically motivated narratives.
Highlighting Minister Nyanti’s diplomatic record, the ICSNL praised her years of service at the United Nations and her leadership in strengthening Liberia’s international partnerships. The group noted that her efforts to deepen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have contributed to enhancing Liberia’s capacity to tackle transnational drug trafficking.
The civil society organization also appealed to media institutions to adhere to professional journalistic standards by verifying information before publication and urged political leaders and advocacy groups to refrain from exploiting unsubstantiated allegations for political advantage.
Reaffirming its commitment to promoting good governance and democratic accountability, the ICSNL said Liberia’s progress depends on respect for the rule of law, transparency, and responsible public engagement.
“Justice and accountability must be rooted in facts,” the statement concluded. “The fight against organized crime and corruption requires our unified resolve—carried out transparently, legally, and without prejudice.”
The statement was signed by Reginald Bates, Executive Director of the Independent Civil Society Network of Liberia.
