WONGOSOL Calls for Unhindered Investigation, Due Process and Accountability in Liberia’s Drug Crisis

The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) reiterates its longstanding call for decisive, impartial, and sustained national action to address Liberia’s growing drug crisis and its devastating consequences for young people, families, women, and communities.

Consistent with our previous statements and advocacy on the drug situation in Liberia, WONGOSOL maintains that the fight against illicit drugs must transcend political affiliation, public office, social status, influence, and personal relationships. No individual should be protected from legitimate investigation because of their position or connections, and no individual should be presumed guilty merely because their name has been mentioned in connection with an investigation.

Against the backdrop of ongoing investigations and arrests, WONGOSOL calls on political leaders, public officials, political parties, their supporters, and all citizens to allow the Joint Security and other relevant institutions to carry out their responsibilities without political interference, intimidation, pressure, or obstruction.

In August 2025, women and young people from across Liberia, supported by male allies, took to the streets to demand urgent government action against the drug crisis. That action reflected the growing concerns of mothers, families, and communities witnessing the harmful effects of illicit drugs on Liberia’s young people and the future of the country.

The concerns raised by the women and youth of Liberia must not go to waste.

WONGOSOL therefore expects the Government and relevant state institutions to demonstrate that the fight against drugs is not selective and that investigations will be conducted professionally, independently, transparently, and in accordance with the laws of Liberia.

As WONGOSOL has emphasized in its previous public statements, all persons found to be involved in the illegal drug trade must be held accountable through the appropriate legal and judicial processes, regardless of their political affiliation, position, influence, or connections.

At the same time, WONGOSOL strongly upholds the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence. Allegations, political statements, public speculation, or association should not be substituted for credible evidence. Every person accused or investigated must be afforded the rights and protections guaranteed under Liberian law.

The fight against drugs must not become a political contest. It must remain a national effort to protect Liberia and its people. Political actors should therefore refrain from statements or actions that could politicize, obstruct, or undermine legitimate investigations, while state institutions must ensure that their actions are impartial, evidence-based, and free from political influence.

WONGOSOL further reiterates that addressing Liberia’s drug crisis requires more than arrests and prosecutions. A comprehensive response must include prevention and public education, rehabilitation and reintegration services, stronger border and law-enforcement measures, support for affected families and communities, and sustained interventions addressing the social and economic vulnerabilities that place young people at risk.

We call on the Government of Liberia, Joint Security, the Judiciary, political actors, civil society organizations, community, traditional and religious leaders, the media, and all citizens to place the national interest above political and personal considerations.

Liberia’s young people deserve a future free from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. Those responsible for facilitating the illegal drug trade must be identified through credible investigations and held accountable where wrongdoing is established, while the rights of every person under investigation must be respected.

WONGOSOL remains committed to standing with the women, families, and communities of Liberia in demanding accountability, justice, prevention, rehabilitation, and sustained national action against the drug crisis.

About WONGOSOL

The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) is a women-led civil society network committed to advancing women’s rights, gender equality, peacebuilding, accountability, social justice, and the meaningful participation of women in Liberia’s development and decision-making processes.