Thousands of Liberians Petition Government To Take Action Against illicit Drugs
By Lazota Bility
August 9, 2025
Monrovia: On a rainy Thursday morning, thousands of Liberians took to the principal streets of Monrovia in a powerful show of unity, marching to demand an end to the widespread use of harmful drugs in the country.
Drug abuse, they said, has become one of the leading causes of homelessness among young people, forcing many to live on the streets and even sleep in graveyards.
The march drew a diverse crowd included youths, adults, the elderly, and even children all united under one cause. Chanting “We are tired of drugs, we want change! Grab the dealers and kill them, holding placards and calling for urgent intervention.
Protesters appealed to the Government of Liberia to take immediate action to rescue their children, brothers, and sisters from drug-infested ghettos. Many expressed deep frustrations with the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), claiming it has failed to address the crisis effectively.
“We don’t want the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency; we want to arrest these people ourselves and punish them,” the protesters said. The protesters went further to recommend that the government place the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in charge of combating drug trafficking and abuse, instead of the LDEA.
The march marked one of the largest citizen-led demonstrations against drug abuse in recent years, sending a strong message to policymakers that Liberians are determined to reclaim their communities from the grip of narcotics.
A petition was read demanding the Executive to act Swiftly “We want actions; we don’t want plenty talking” they chanted. The petition was received by Representative Prince Toles head of the House committee claims and petition.
In response Rep Prince Toles describe the petition as one of the best he has ever received so far “This is one of the best petition I’ve received so far since my being into office and I can assure you all this will be discuss in our leadership meeting” he said.
