MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA – On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Bishop Kortu K. Brown, a prominent resident of District #17 in Montserrado County, convened another critical meeting with leaders from 10 out of the 150 communities in the district. The meeting aimed to address the pressing issues of illicit drug use and rising insecurity, with the goal of promoting peaceful and secure environments. This follows a series of similar efforts, including a one-day workshop two months ago, which attracted 150 community leaders to discuss these urgent challenges.
“We are mobilizing Community Watch Forums and establishing Community Drugs Enforcement Awareness Teams to achieve our objectives for the communities,” said Bishop Brown. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, adding, “We’re grateful for the accompaniment of the DEA, MOJ, Church Aid, District #17 Watch Forum, local communities, CBOs, NGOs, etc.”
Bishop Brown’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the deepening drug crisis in Liberia, a challenge he believes is contributing to insecurity and social instability across the country. The upcoming larger conference, which will include representatives from all 150 communities in District #17, is expected to further the momentum of these anti-drug initiatives.
Back in July 2024, a one-day training and awareness workshop was organized by the VOA#1 Community in Brewerville, Montserrado County, under the theme, “DRUGS DESTROY COMMUNITIES.” The workshop was held at the New Water in the Desert Assembly Apostolic Pentecostal Church and saw the participation of representatives from ten local communities, CBOs, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). This initiative was born out of a response to the tragic death of William Johnson, a 19-year-old student of Kpallah Public School, who was brutally murdered on June 12, 2024, in the Babyma Junction community of VOA#1 Road.
Explaining the purpose of the workshops and community mobilization efforts, Bishop Brown highlighted the growing drug problem in Liberia as a threat to the nation’s youth and social stability. “The drug problem permeates every community in our country and many countries in West Africa and beyond,” he said. “We must be serious in addressing this problem because it’s increasing insecurity in the country, stealing away our youth potential, and threatening the stability of the country.”
Bishop Brown further explained that in response to recent violence, including the death of William Johnson, communities in District #17 have rallied together to find solutions. Following consultations, it was determined that the rising insecurity in the area is largely tied to the influx of illicit drugs, which have infiltrated local neighborhoods and endangered residents, especially the youth.
With the ongoing engagement of community leaders, local organizations, and national agencies, District #17 is seeking to pave the way for a safer, drug-free future. Bishop Brown remains hopeful that the collaborative efforts will bring lasting change and protect the vulnerable from the dangers of drugs and crime.
