–President Warns No Political Connection Will Shield Anyone as Security Agencies Intensify Narcotics Probe
Monrovia, Liberia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has directed Liberia’s security agencies to intensify the fight against narcotics trafficking, warning that no individual—whether inside or outside government—will be shielded if found involved in the illicit drug trade.
Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana delivered the message during her weekly press briefing at the Executive Mansion on Friday, saying the President used his 23rd Cabinet meeting to receive a major security briefing and reinforce his instructions to the security team investigating Liberia’s narcotics problem.
Fofana said the President also expressed appreciation to the United States Government for its support to Liberian security agencies as they investigate the narcotics situation and work to bring the problem under control.
‘Liberia Is Not a Transit Hub’
The strongest message from the Executive Mansion was directed at individuals involved in the movement of narcotics through Liberia.
According to Fofana, President Boakai wants the public to understand that Liberia “is not a transit hub and will not be used as a transit hub for narcotics, for drugs of any kind.”
She said the President’s directive applies regardless of a person’s position, political affiliation or connection to government.
“Whether you’re within the realm of government or in and out of government or former government, he and his team committed to going after you,” Fofana said.
The warning comes as the government continues an expansive investigation into an alleged transnational narcotics network.
Two-Pronged Fight Against Narcotics
Fofana described the government’s campaign as having both a domestic and international dimension.
On the domestic front, she said the administration has supported the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency with leadership and operational support, while strengthening its capacity to pursue suspected drug traffickers and dismantle local distribution networks.
At the international level, she said Liberia is working with foreign partners to tackle the cross-border dimensions of narcotics trafficking.
“The fight is a two-prong approach,” Fofana said.
Mansion Urges Public to Rely on Official Information
Fofana urged Liberians and the media to avoid speculation and rely on official government channels for information concerning the narcotics investigation.
She specifically identified the Ministry of Justice, Liberia National Police, Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism, and the Executive Mansion as authoritative sources.
She also confirmed that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor remained at a medical facility due to medical issues while describing the narcotics investigation as active and ongoing.
Boakai Pushes Providence Island Revival
Beyond security, Fofana highlighted President Boakai’s recent groundbreaking for the redevelopment of Providence Island as a major tourism and historical attraction.
She said the project forms part of the administration’s broader tourism, heritage and reconciliation agenda, given Providence Island’s central place in Liberia’s history.
President Pushes for UL Reopening
Fofana also said President Boakai has been directly engaged in efforts to resolve the continuing impasse at the University of Liberia.
She said the President held discussions with faculty members and urged the administration to address demands that could be resolved and work toward reopening the institution.
20 U.S. Deportees Already in Liberia
Fofana also provided an update on Liberia’s agreement to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the United States, saying approximately 20 had already arrived.
She said the arrivals came on Thursday and that the Liberian Government was providing the necessary support. According to Fofana, the majority of the cases involved immigration offenses in the United States.
Those who have arrived have a 30-day period to decide whether to remain in Liberia, she said.
Presidential Scholarship Relaunched
Fofana announced the relaunch of the Presidential Scholarship for the new academic year, saying students across Liberia, including those in tertiary and technical and vocational institutions, are encouraged to apply.
Flag Day and Presidential Book Relaunch
Liberia will celebrate its 179th National Flag Day on Monday, August 24, under the theme “From Heritage to Hope: The Flag That Unites Us.”
Fofana also announced the relaunch of President Boakai’s book, From Foyer to the Capital, authored by Dr. Sakwe Malapai. The book chronicles Boakai’s journey from his humble beginnings to the presidency.
For the Boakai administration, however, the narcotics investigation remains one of the most consequential issues on the national agenda, with the President signaling that political status or government connections will not provide protection to anyone found culpable.
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