MONROVIA-1000’s of Liberians have petitioned the federal government to declare the nation’s drug disaster a pandemic, warning that inaction will doom a complete era.
The petition, submitted underneath the banner “Say No to Medication,” outlines demand for legislative and government motion, describing the unfold of illicit drug use as a risk extra harmful than warfare. Titled “A Cry to Save a Dying Technology and Shield Our Future,” the doc urges the federal government to answer the disaster with the identical urgency as earlier nationwide well being emergencies like Ebola and COVID-19.
“Our beloved Liberia is bleeding from inside,” the petition reads. “Every single day, we witness the heartbreaking sights of our household and mates mendacity on avenue corners just like the dwelling lifeless.”
Addressed to President Joseph Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and the management of the Legislature, the petition calls for daring measures, together with a Presidential Government Order declaring medicine a nationwide pandemic, the creation of a joint Anti-Drug Process Drive, and a minimal 20-year sentence for these convicted of first-degree drug felonies.
The group additionally requires a specialised drug court docket, a nationwide anti-drug company, and the discount of customs tariffs on drug remedy provides. Moreover, it calls for that the federal government make drug rehabilitation free in any respect public services and allocate a portion of alcohol, tobacco, and playing taxes to an Anti-Drug Fund.
Citing an April 2023 report by the World Motion for Sustainable Improvement (GASD), the petition says Monrovia and its environment host greater than 866 ghettos with over 100,000 continual drug customers. It warns that traffickers proceed to function freely, shielded by weak legal guidelines, mild bail circumstances, and complicity from authorities.
“We aren’t asking for vengeance. We’re asking for justice and safety,” the petitioners mentioned. “For those who fail to behave, Liberia will lose its subsequent era.”
The campaigners, who marched in protest and solidarity, mentioned they’re able to work with the federal government to craft and implement coverage reforms. “Liberia can’t rise whereas her kids are falling.”.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been within the occupation for over twenty years. He has labored for a lot of worldwide media retailers together with: West Africa Journal, Africa Week Journal, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Instances, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He’s the present correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in Worldwide Relations and a candidate for second grasp in Worldwide Peace research and Battle Decision from the College of Liberia.
