Liberia: President Boakai Vows Unrelenting War on Drugs …Says, “The Law Must Apply Equally to All”

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ddressing the nation Wednesday evening, President Boakai said the Government’s fight against narcotics trafficking will be pursued without fear or favor, and the law will be applied equally, while ensuring that the constitutional rights of every person are protected. 

He pointed out that allegations of criminal conduct are determined through Liberia’s independent justice system.

"My Administration will neither persecute nor shield anyone because of political affiliation, office, status, or influence. 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 Liberian Leader assured.

The President’s address comes amid heightened public attention surrounding the recent arrest and detention of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor. 

While acknowledging the national and international concern generated by the case, President Boakai stressed that the former Vice President is being treated in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Liberia, and that she remains presumed innocent, has access to legal counsel and is entitled to due process.

"It is not the President’s role to determine guilt or innocence. That responsibility belongs to our independent justice system," he reminded Liberians.

The Liberian Chief Executive cautioned against allowing political considerations, public pressure, rumors or conjecture to determine the outcome of criminal proceedings, insisting that guilt or innocence must be established by the courts.

He further rejected suggestions that the Government’s campaign against drugs and organized crime is targeted at any particular individual, political party or movement, saying the campaign is directed solely at conduct that threatens Liberia s security, stability and future.

"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," President Boakai stated.

The President described illicit drugs and organized crime as among the greatest threats confronting Liberia, warning that narcotics are destroying young lives, weakening families, fueling violence and placing the nation s future at risk. “This is not simply a law enforcement issue; it is a national security and moral issue," he said.

He disclosed that his Administration has intensified the fight against narcotics trafficking, money laundering and organized crime, directing security institutions to act professionally, independently and without fear or favor, while working with national and international partners to prevent Liberia from becoming a transit point for illegal drugs or a safe haven for criminal networks.

"This campaign is deliberate, coordinated, and unrelenting. It is intended to defend the Liberian people, protect the Liberian character, and safeguard our nation s future,” he added.

The President went on to  commend the Joint Security for what he described as their professionalism, courage and devotion to duty, urging them to remain steadfast and impartial while respecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.

The President continued by linking the drug fight directly to his broader commitment to the rule of law and the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, stressing that Liberia’s progress in education, infrastructure, the economy and public institutions cannot be sustained without justice and strong national institutions.

"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.

President Boakai called on parents, communities, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders and young people to support the fight against drug abuse, reject misinformation and report criminal activities through lawful channels. 

He also urged political and religious leaders, civil society organizations and public commentators to act responsibly and avoid statements or actions that could incite violence, undermine national institutions or intimidate law enforcement officers.

"Liberia has come too far to revert to a culture in which justice is swayed by fear, power, or political pressure," President Boakai warned.

Concluding his address, President Boakai assured the nation that his Government would remain committed to justice, fairness, accountability and peace, while protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen.

"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," he said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.