MONROVIA – Senator Amara Konneh has mounted fresh pressure on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to take decisive action against alleged corruption within Liberia’s security apparatus, warning that the government’s fight against the country’s growing drug-trafficking threat is being undermined from within.
Konneh said President Boakai is effectively fighting a “two-front war” by confronting both suspected drug-trafficking networks and senior security officials who are supposed to lead the campaign against illicit drugs.
In a strongly worded statement, the senator argued that the President cannot afford to allow internal divisions, alleged corruption or political considerations to weaken the government’s response to what he described as a serious national security threat.
His comments come amid mounting public concern over the handling of Liberia’s recent multi-million-dollar cocaine seizures and allegations that money linked to a drug cartel may have reached individuals within the security establishment.
Konneh particularly questioned the decision by a senior anti-drug official to recuse himself from the investigation rather than face immediate dismissal and possible criminal prosecution over an alleged bribery scandal.
The senator said such a move could create the perception that accountability is being avoided at a moment when the government needs to demonstrate that no official is beyond scrutiny.
According to Konneh, voluntary recusal in the face of serious allegations represents a retreat from the level of accountability expected in a national security crisis.
He urged President Boakai not to allow advisers or institutional interests to constrain his response, calling on the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to pursue what he described as all enemies involved in the drug fight.
“This was his campaign promise,” Konneh emphasized, while signaling that the President’s actions in the coming days will be closely watched.
The senator’s comments come as President Boakai’s reported 48-hour deadline approaches for officials involved in the investigation to provide answers concerning an alleged bribery incident involving one of their colleagues.
Konneh said Monday could therefore become a critical moment for the government’s handling of the widening drug investigation.
Public confidence has already been strained by the continuing controversy surrounding the massive cocaine seizures and allegations of interference, corruption and possible protection of suspected drug-trafficking interests.
Konneh pointed to reporting and advocacy by several Liberian media organizations and activists, including Spoon, FrontPageAfrica, Verity News and activist Martin N. Kollie, arguing that their work has helped keep the investigation in the public spotlight.
He said individuals whose names have surfaced in connection with the investigation have faced various consequences, including arrests, dismissals and recusal.
However, Konneh questioned why some senior security officials dismissed by the President in connection with the investigation have not, according to him, faced further legal consequences.
That disparity, he suggested, could deepen public suspicion and fuel perceptions that accountability is being applied unevenly.
The senator also referenced a new claim by activist Martin Kollie that his independent investigation had uncovered what he described as an important breakthrough in the US$317 million drug bust and could lead to another arrest.
Kollie has reportedly promised to release evidence in the days leading up to Monday.
Konneh said the anticipated developments have made Monday particularly important for the ongoing investigation, describing it as a potential turning point in what has increasingly become known as “Cocaingate.”
For Konneh, however, the issue extends beyond the cocaine seizures themselves.
He argued that Liberia must become an unattractive environment for international drug traffickers and their alleged local protectors, insisting that the fight against illicit drugs cannot be left solely to government institutions.
He called on citizens who support President Boakai to continue demanding accountability and transparency, stressing that government derives its authority from the people.
The senator said the public must remain engaged because the consequences of the drug epidemic extend beyond politics and affect communities and families across Liberia.
While expressing support for President Boakai, Konneh also issued a clear challenge to the administration: move beyond public statements and demonstrate through concrete action that the government is prepared to confront both external drug networks and alleged corruption within its own ranks.
