Foreign Minister Denies Drug Trafficking Claims, Calls for Credible Evidence
By: Feeme M. Wantee
Monrovia, August 7, 2026: Liberia – Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti has dismissed allegations that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is involved in drug trafficking through diplomatic cargo, describing the claims as false, misleading, and damaging to Liberia’s image.
Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Nyanti said the government remains fully committed to combating narcotics trafficking under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. She stressed that the administration is focused on evidence-based investigations and will not be distracted by speculation, misinformation, or social media narratives.
According to the Foreign Minister, allegations involving her office have circulated since 2023, but the latest accusations are particularly concerning because they could undermine ongoing criminal investigations and damage Liberia’s credibility with international partners.
Nyanti noted that Liberia is currently coordinating the African members and the elected non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August. She said the country’s growing leadership role on the global stage makes it even more important to safeguard its international reputation through responsible public discourse.
The Minister disclosed that Liberia has strengthened diplomatic cooperation with several partner countries, including Morocco, Rwanda, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, to enhance intelligence sharing and collaboration in combating transnational drug trafficking networks.
Addressing concerns over diplomatic cargo, Nyanti explained that such shipments are protected under the Vienna Convention and are handled through established international procedures. She clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible only for verifying the diplomatic status of accredited officials through the Office of the Chief of Protocol, while customs authorities oversee duty-free clearance.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not inspect, transport, or control the contents of diplomatic cargo,” she said. “Anyone with credible evidence that diplomatic cargo is being used for illegal activities should identify the embassy involved and submit that information to the appropriate security authorities.”
The Foreign Minister commended Liberia’s Joint Security, including the Liberia National Police and other security agencies, for their continued efforts in the fight against narcotics. She also disclosed that following the recent multi-million-dollar drug seizure, Liberia sought and received technical assistance from the United States to support ongoing investigations.
She clarified that all criminal prosecutions related to the case will be conducted under Liberian law. “The United States is providing technical expertise to strengthen our investigations—not to prosecute Liberian citizens on Liberian soil,” Nyanti stated.
The Foreign Minister urged Liberians to support the country’s fight against drug trafficking by providing credible information to law enforcement agencies rather than spreading unverified allegations that could undermine national security and damage Liberia’s international reputation.
She reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to working with national and international partners to combat drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime.
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