Liberia: Women Lead Thousands in Protest Demanding Tougher Action on Drug Crisis

Thousands of Liberian women marched through Monrovia on Thursday, demanding urgent government action to tackle the nation’s escalating drug crisis. The protest, one of the largest of the year, began at SKD Boulevard and concluded at the Capitol Building, where demonstrators presented a petition to lawmakers.

Organized by the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) and supported by community and youth groups, protesters called for a national state of emergency on drug abuse, specialized drug courts, and a minimum 20-year prison sentence for major drug traffickers. Leaders also urged authorities to immediately close an estimated 800 known drug dens in the capital.

Chanting “Save our children” and “Drugs are destroying Liberia’s future,” demonstrators drew attention to alarming statistics: nearly one in five young Liberians is affected by drug abuse. Many participants expressed frustration over growing addiction rates and the government’s perceived failure to combat traffickers or rehabilitate youth.

Lawmakers who received the petition acknowledged lapses in current efforts. “We have failed, and we must now take stronger measures to address this scourge,” said a senior representative, pledging prompt legislative action.

The demonstration underscores mounting public anxiety as critics warn that the drug crisis threatens Liberia’s security, public health, and prospects for long-term growth.