By Amos Harris
Prominent political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba has sharply criticized the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing the government of failing to make meaningful progress in the fight against illicit drugs since taking office. He argued that despite repeated promises to crack down on narcotics trafficking, the administration has yet to produce tangible results or demonstrate the level of urgency required to confront what many describe as a growing national crisis.
Speaking Monday on the OK Morning Rush radio program, Kiatamba stated that the government’s anti-drug campaign has been characterized by weak enforcement and a distinct lack of accountability. According to him, the continued spread of dangerous narcotics and the rising number of young Liberians falling victim to substance abuse raise serious questions about the overall effectiveness of the government’s strategy.
At the center of his criticism is the unresolved US$19.2 million drug trafficking case, which generated widespread public attention after the Ministry of Justice identified several individuals as persons of interest. Kiatamba noted that while authorities previously indicated the suspects would remain under investigation throughout the life of the current administration—and face prosecution if evidence established their guilt—no significant public update has been provided on the actual status of the investigation.
He argued that the prolonged silence surrounding the case has fueled public suspicion and weakened confidence in the country’s justice system. “The Ministry says they will investigate and prosecute if guilty, but notably, no results have been given to the Liberian people. These persons of interest remain in limbo while the public is kept in the dark,” Kiatamba said during the broadcast.
The political analyst warned that justice delayed could ultimately become justice denied, stressing that Liberians deserve absolute transparency in high-profile criminal investigations involving alleged drug traffickers. He called on the Boakai administration to regularly inform the public of the progress being made, noting that accountability is essential to restoring trust in the government’s anti-drug efforts.
Beyond the narcotics crisis, Kiatamba also questioned the political consistency of several opposition figures who recently attended the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) 22nd Anniversary and Militant Day celebration held in Zwedru. He described their participation as highly contradictory, pointing out that many of these same politicians had previously condemned the former CDC government for what they called years of failed leadership.
“The same voices that condemned the CDC for failing the Liberian people were present celebrating. That sends a mixed message to the public about principle versus political convenience,” he asserted.
His remarks come as Liberia continues to grapple with deep concerns over drug trafficking and substance abuse, particularly among its youth. Civil society organizations, community leaders, and anti-drug advocates have repeatedly urged the government to declare drug abuse a national emergency, demanding an intensification of both law enforcement operations and public rehabilitation programs.
While the Boakai administration has consistently pledged to adopt a tougher approach against narcotics trafficking, critics maintain that policy declarations alone are insufficient. They emphasize that the government’s credibility will ultimately depend on successful prosecutions, stronger border security, effective prevention programs, and greater transparency in high-profile investigations like the US$19.2 million drug case.