–President Defends Jewel Howard Taylor’s Due Process, Warns Against Political Pressure and Misinformation as Government Intensifies Campaign Against Narcotics and Organized Crime
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has declared that his administration’s campaign against illicit drug trafficking and organized crime will be “deliberate, coordinated, and unrelenting,” while assuring Liberians that even high-profile suspects will receive constitutional protections and due process.
In a nationally televised address Wednesday evening, President Boakai said the growing threat posed by illicit drugs has become a matter of national security and morality, warning that narcotics are destroying young lives, weakening families, fueling violence and threatening Liberia’s future.
“This is not simply a law enforcement issue; it is a national security and moral issue,” President Boakai declared.
The President’s address comes amid heightened national attention following the arrest and prosecution of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged drug trafficking and related offenses.
Boakai specifically addressed Taylor’s detention, assuring the public and international partners that the former Vice President is being treated in accordance with Liberian law.
“She is presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel, and is entitled to due process, which will be upheld,” he said.
He stressed that the executive branch would not determine Taylor’s guilt or innocence, emphasizing that such responsibility rests with the country’s justice system.
“It is not the President’s role to determine guilt or innocence. That responsibility belongs to our independent justice system,” Boakai said.
“No One Is Above the Law”
Boakai used the address to reinforce what he described as a fundamental obligation of his administration: ensuring that the law applies equally regardless of political affiliation, social status or previous public office.
“My Administration will neither persecute nor shield anyone because of political affiliation, office, status, or influence,” he said. “Whether one has held high office, served in government, led a business, or lived as an ordinary citizen, the law must apply equally to all.”
The President said Liberia’s democratic credibility would ultimately be judged by how the country treats people who come before the law, particularly those whose cases attract political controversy.
“Our democracy will be measured not by how we treat those with whom we agree, but by how faithfully we uphold the rights of every person who comes before the law,” he stated.
His remarks appeared aimed at addressing growing public debate surrounding Taylor’s arrest, including concerns raised by her supporters and political actors who have questioned the circumstances surrounding the case.
Boakai urged Liberians to allow the courts to determine the facts rather than permitting political pressure, speculation or public sentiment to influence the outcome.
“Guilt or innocence must be determined by the courts, not by politics, rumor, conjecture, or public pressure,” he said.
Government Steps Up Anti-Drug Campaign
The President said his administration has intensified efforts against narcotics trafficking, money laundering and organized crime, with national security institutions directed to work with domestic and international partners.
He said the objective is to prevent Liberia from becoming either a transit point for illegal drugs or a safe haven for criminal networks.
“Let me be clear: this campaign is deliberate, coordinated, and unrelenting,” Boakai said. “It is intended to defend the Liberian people, protect the Liberian character, and safeguard our nation’s future.”
The President also emphasized that the campaign is not targeted at any particular political figure, party or movement.
“This national campaign against drugs and organized crime is not directed at any individual, party, or political movement; it is directed at conduct that threatens the safety, stability, and future of Liberia,” he said.
The declaration follows the government’s recent intensified focus on drug trafficking, including a major cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport and subsequent investigations that have generated widespread public debate over the alleged involvement of individuals with connections to political and business circles.
Boakai Warns Against Misinformation
The President also used the address to caution against what he described as misinformation, intimidation and attempts to undermine law-enforcement institutions.
He commended members of the Joint Security for what he called their professionalism and courage, while instructing them to remain impartial and respect the rights and dignity of citizens.
“Despite pressure and attempts at intimidation, and calculated misinformation, they must remain steadfast, impartial, and respectful of the rights and dignity of all citizens,” Boakai said.
He called on political leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations and public commentators to exercise restraint, warning that disagreements must not become a trigger for violence or institutional destabilization.
“Liberia Has Come Too Far”
Boakai appealed for broader public participation in the fight against drugs, urging parents, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders and young people to support prevention efforts and report suspected criminal activity through lawful channels.
He also linked the campaign to his administration’s broader governance agenda, arguing that progress in the economy, education, infrastructure and public institutions cannot be sustained without the rule of law.
“Liberia faces serious challenges, but we are making deliberate progress through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Yet none of our work in the economy, education, infrastructure, or public institutions can succeed unless it is anchored in one fundamental principle: THE RULE OF LAW,” he said.
The President warned against a return to the political and institutional instability that contributed to Liberia’s past crises.
“Liberia has come too far to revert to a culture in which justice is swayed by fear, power, or political pressure,” he declared.
Liberia, he said, has endured conflict, hardship and division and must now protect the peace it has achieved by strengthening democratic institutions.
Boakai concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to justice, fairness, accountability and peace, saying government would continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while protecting constitutional rights.
“We will govern without fear or favor, protect every citizen’s rights, and build a Liberia where peace is preserved, justice is impartial, and accountability applies equally to all,” the President said.
The President’s address comes as Taylor’s legal case proceeds through the courts and as government authorities continue investigations into alleged narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities. The allegations against Taylor and other suspects remain unproven, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a competent court.
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