Thousands of women took to the streets of Monrovia on Thursday in a powerful demonstration against Liberia’s escalating drug crisis, calling on the government to declare a national emergency and implement stricter penalties for drug-related offenses.
Led by various women’s organizations, the protestors marched through the capital with banners and flags, culminating their demonstration with the delivery of a petition to the national legislature.
The petition urged the creation of a special court dedicated to drug cases and recommended increasing the minimum sentence for first-degree drug felonies to 20 years—currently the maximum penalty under existing law.
The protest comes amid growing concern over the rise of illicit drug use in Liberia, particularly among youth. According to the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, one in five young people are using illegal substances.
The agency has identified over 800 drug hubs, or “drug dens,” operating across Monrovia. The synthetic drug known as “kush,” often laced with opioids, is reportedly the most prevalent and dangerous substance being abused.
In tandem with the protests, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia launched a nationwide awareness campaign on Wednesday. The initiative aims to educate communities about the risks of drug abuse and promote prevention strategies, with volunteers deployed across various neighborhoods.
Addressing the issue was a cornerstone of President Joseph Boakai’s campaign during the 2023 elections. However, activists argue that his administration has failed to take meaningful steps to combat the growing epidemic.
“We are raising our voices against the mockery of President Boakai’s promises to rescue Liberia’s youth from the scourge of addiction,” stated a coalition of women from three political parties supporting the campaign.
Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, a leading figure in the Association of Female Lawyers, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The drug crisis is destroying the future of our youth, and women are bearing the brunt.”
Among the demonstrators was Joanna Jah, a local mother who said her son has fallen victim to drug addiction. “We’ve tried everything to keep them off the streets, but nothing has worked,” she said. “This is our chance to speak out, and I had to be part of it.”
The demonstration reflects growing public pressure on the government to intensify its efforts in addressing the nation’s drug crisis, which mirrors similar challenges faced by neighboring West African countries such as Sierra Leone.
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