Liberia: Civil Peace Service Liberia Issues Call to Action for Drug-Free Society - FrontPageAfrica

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Paynesville – In observance of this year’s International Day of Peace, Civil Peace Service Liberia has issued a call to action for a society free of drug and substance abuse, highlighting the role such issues play in fueling conflicts, criminal activities, and undermining Liberia’s youth.

The International Day of Peace, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, was designated in 2001 as a period of non-violence and cease-fire. It is celebrated annually on September 21 to promote peace and harmony over conflict.

This year’s celebration in Liberia was held under the theme: “Promoting a Society Free of Drugs and Substance Abuse through Effective Partnership.” Civil Peace Service Liberia, a network of local civil society organizations promoting peace and sustainable development, consists of seven partner organizations, including the Center for Justice and Peace Studies, the Liberia Council of Churches, Lutheran Development Service, Lutheran Church in Liberia Trauma Healing and Reconciliation Program, the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the New African Research and Development Agency (NARDA), and LOIC.

Civil Peace Service Liberia, established through the German-based Protestant donor Bread for the World, has been active in Liberia since 2008, engaging communities through advocacy, training, and collaborative initiatives. To commemorate 21 years of peace in Liberia, members of Civil Peace Service participated in a colorful parade through Monrovia despite the rain, stressing the importance of robust partnerships to combat drug and substance abuse and prevent the loss of an entire generation to addiction.

During his first State of the Nation Address in January 2024, President Joseph Boakai declared drug and substance abuse a national health emergency, emphasizing the need for collective efforts, including support from international partners, to protect Liberia’s future generations.

At a panel discussion recently, several key figures discussed the critical role of patriotism and law enforcement in tackling drug abuse. Panelists included Superintendent Roland T. Wesseh, head of Community Service at the Liberia National Police; Acarus Aaron Temo, Special Assistant U-303 at the Liberia Immigration Service; and Agent Maxwell Sonpon of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), as well as civil society representative Francis Konyon.

The panelists expressed concern over reports of law enforcement officers, particularly those from the LDEA and Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), being implicated in drug-related activities. They stressed that patriotism and love for the country are essential in combating drug abuse. They also cautioned against politicizing the fight against drugs and called for collective efforts, including impartial enforcement of drug laws.

The discussion highlighted the country’s porous borders and corrupt practices among law enforcement officers as key factors contributing to the proliferation of drugs and dangerous substances in Liberia. According to reports, one in five young people in Liberia is a user of narcotics, with many more at risk of addiction.

Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy, Peter Speyres, praised Civil Peace Service Liberia for organizing the discussion, describing substance abuse as a critical issue for Liberia. He pledged the German Embassy’s continued support for efforts to address this growing menace.

In her remarks, Civil Peace Service Liberia Coordinator, Madam Decontee George, expressed gratitude to Bread for the World and the German Embassy for their ongoing support. She noted that drug and substance abuse is a challenge not only in Liberia but also in neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea.