By SHALLON S. GONLOR |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
The Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), the political party founded by Nimba County Electoral District #7 Representative Musa Hassan Bility, has postponed its planned September 5 peaceful rally aimed at demanding greater accountability over Liberia’s worsening drug crisis.
The party said the decision follows recent actions taken by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. against government officials linked to the country’s latest high-profile drug seizures.
On Thursday, President Boakai dismissed a dozen government officials and referred several others for investigation after a series of major cocaine seizures sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for tougher action against drug trafficking networks operating in Liberia.
Earlier this month, Liberian authorities confiscated nearly four metric tons of cocaine valued at an estimated US$317 million near Roberts International Airport. The seizure followed another major anti-drug operation in June, when approximately 238 kilograms of cocaine worth about US$19 million was discovered concealed in commercial cargo, including cartons of Maggi seasoning cubes, at the airport.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CMC National Chairman James M. V. Yougie described the President’s actions as “belated but important first steps,” saying the party welcomed the measures as an indication that the government has begun to recognize the gravity of the crisis and the growing public demand for accountability.
However, the party cautioned that dismissals and suspensions alone do not constitute justice.
“The President and his government must not mistake these administrative actions for complete accountability or believe they are sufficient to bring this matter to an end,” the statement said. “Dismissals and suspensions are not substitutes for a comprehensive criminal investigation, full public disclosure, and the prosecution of everyone against whom credible evidence exists.”
CMC National Chairman stressed that the government’s latest actions should mark the beginning—not the conclusion—of an independent and transparent investigation into the country’s drug trafficking network.
The party also referenced previous public statements by senior security officials, including the Inspector General of Police, suggesting that influential individuals and high-ranking officials may have connections to the illicit drug trade.
According to the press release, Liberians expect investigators to be granted the independence, protection, and resources necessary to uncover every individual involved, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“Whether they are current officials, former officials, security personnel, political actors, businesspeople, or foreign collaborators, no one should be shielded because of power, wealth, position, or political connection,” the statement declared.
CMC further argued that Liberians deserve to know the full extent of the alleged drug cartel operating within the country.
The party called for investigators to identify those who financed the operations, imported the narcotics, transported and stored them — provided protection for the shipments, and stood to benefit financially from their distribution. The statement also urged authorities to examine the financial transactions, communications, assets, and institutional connections associated with the alleged network.
At the same time, CMC emphasized that it is not calling for convictions based on rumors or political accusations.
“We are demanding an evidence-based investigation, due process, and prosecution without fear or favor,” the party stated.
The opposition party disclosed that it has begun consultations with other opposition political parties and national stakeholders regarding the planned September 5 demonstration, describing the fight against narcotics as a national issue rather than one belonging solely to CMC.
The consultations, it said, will continue as part of efforts to build a united democratic platform capable of demanding accountability whenever necessary.
In light of the President’s recent actions, CMC announced that it has decided to postpone—not cancel—the September 5 rally to allow the government a limited opportunity to transform its administrative measures into a credible, transparent, and comprehensive criminal investigation.
“The rally is postponed, not abandoned,” the statement emphasized. “Our demand for truth has not changed, and our foot remains firmly on the pedal of accountability.”
CMC warned that it would not hesitate to resume public action if it observes delays, selective prosecutions, the punishment of only junior officers, or attempts to shield influential figures from justice.
“If we observe delaying tactics, selective prosecution, the sacrifice of only junior officers, the protection of powerful individuals, or any attempt to use these dismissals and suspensions to whitewash the investigation, CMC will immediately consult its political and civil society partners and take the appropriate peaceful, constitutional, and democratic actions necessary to pressure the government,” the statement added.
The party maintained that while it will acknowledge positive actions taken by the government, it will continue to demand full accountability.
“Liberia cannot punish young people at the bottom of the drug chain while protecting the powerful individuals who finance, import, and facilitate the narcotics destroying our country,” the statement concluded.
CMC said the burden now rests on President Boakai to ensure that the entire drug trafficking network is exposed and that every person implicated through credible evidence is brought before the law.
Although the September 5 rally has been postponed, the party insisted that the national demand for truth, justice, and accountability remains unchanged.
