By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has ordered the mass dismissal and suspension of senior government and security officials implicated in major cocaine investigations, in what youth leaders are calling the toughest anti-narcotics action in a decade.
The decision, announced this week, targets officials allegedly linked to drug trafficking networks operating inside state institutions.
The Liberia Chapter of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament, MRUYP_LC, on Thursday applauded the President’s move, saying it directly addresses the pain of communities “that have suffered immensely and continue to bear the brunt of narcotic substance importation.”
“The government will no longer tolerate the devastating impact these substances have on our communities and the future of the nation,” the group said in a statement signed by 4th Speaker Daniel Nama Nills.
“ACTS OF EVIL” INSIDE GOVERNMENT
The Youth Parliament condemned the alleged involvement of public officials in drug proliferation, calling it “particularly egregious” and “unequivocally… acts of evil.”
“Individuals in positions of responsibility entrusted to protect citizens are instead accused of fueling the crisis,” the statement said. “That betrayal cannot stand.”
MRUYP_LC pledged full support for a thorough, unbiased investigation and demanded that “anyone connected to these drug cases” be brought to justice regardless of rank or political ties.
“LIBERIA IS NOT A TRANSIT HUB”
The youth body issued its strongest warning yet to traffickers: Liberia will not serve as a corridor for West Africa’s cocaine trade.
“We vehemently reject the notion of Liberia being used as a transit hub for drugs,” the release stated. “Immediate action is essential to expose all individuals involved and safeguard the integrity and future of the nation.”
The group urged the Boakai administration to publish findings, prosecute suspects, and strengthen border and port controls to dismantle cartel influence within security structures.
President Boakai has in recent weeks faced mounting pressure from civil society and international partners to act decisively as seizures and overdose cases rise among Liberian youth. Thursday’s dismissals mark the first large-scale purge of officials over narcotics since he took office.
The Youth Parliament said it will monitor the investigations and mobilize young people to support law enforcement efforts nationwide.
