By By: Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – The Center for Advocacy and Civic Engagement, CFAC, has welcomed President Joseph Boakai’s recent decision to dismiss, suspend, and investigate government officials and law enforcement personnel allegedly linked to narcotics trafficking. In a press release issued Saturday, the civil society organization described the actions as “an important step toward reinforcing the rule of law” and a signal that “public office must never serve as a shield for criminal conduct.”
CFAC said Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs requires “courageous leadership, strong institutions, and unwavering political will,” noting that drug trafficking has for years undermined national security, destroyed the futures of young Liberians, fueled organized crime, and eroded public trust in state institutions. The group stated that the President’s intervention sends a clear message that no official is above the law.
While applauding the move, CFAC urged the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure investigations are conducted “without fear, favor, political interference, or selective justice.” It called for accountability to extend beyond mid-level officials to “every individual regardless of rank, position, or political affiliation” where credible evidence exists. The organization further asked government to publicly disclose the identities of senior public officials against whom sufficient evidence has been established, without prejudicing ongoing cases, arguing that such transparency is essential to restoring public trust.
At the same time, CFAC stressed the need to uphold due process. “Every person under investigation is entitled to the constitutional guarantees of due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the release stated. It added that justice must be pursued while respecting the rule of law.
To achieve sustainable results, CFAC called for stronger inter-agency coordination, improved border security, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and better resourcing of law enforcement institutions. The group said long-term success will require institutional reforms, stronger oversight, and collaboration with regional and international partners. “The fight against narcotics must spare no one. Justice must not only be done — it must also be seen to be done,” said Executive Director Prince S.D. Marley, Sr.
