By Cyrus McGee
Monrovia, Liberia – As Liberia braces for a nationwide protest against drug abuse, former Deputy Director General for Operations of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Hassan Fadiga, has issued a passionate plea for urgent and unified action to tackle the country’s growing drug epidemic.
Speaking ahead of the protest, Fadiga warned that Liberia is on the brink of a generational catastrophe if bold steps are not taken immediately. He cited alarming statistics showing that 2 out of every 10 Liberian youth are either experimenting with or actively using drugs—a figure that represents nearly 1.1 million young people, based on World Bank population estimates.
“As the country prepares to protest against the rising tide of drug use, it is critical that Liberians understand the scale of the problem,” Fadiga said. “These projections assume no major policy shift or intervention. The situation could worsen unless we act now.”
According to the World Bank’s 2024 report, Liberia’s population stands at 5.5 million and is growing at a rate of 2.4% annually. With 60% of the population under the age of 25, the drug crisis poses a serious threat to the country’s future. Projections suggest Liberia’s population could reach 6.97 million by 2034, with an estimated 279,000 youth at direct risk of drug dependency if current trends continue.
“This is not just a statistic—it’s personal,” Fadiga added. “This crisis could impact your child, your relative, or your neighbor. We must confront this reality through education, law enforcement, and health initiatives before the consequences become irreversible.”
He urged government officials, civil society groups, parents, religious leaders, and community members to rally together to address the crisis through a comprehensive national response. His recommendations include:
- Public awareness campaigns on drug prevention and treatment
- Investment in youth rehabilitation and development programs
- Stricter enforcement of drug laws and border control
- Support for community-based initiatives and outreach efforts
Fadiga emphasized that combating the drug epidemic must become a national priority. He called on every Liberian to be part of the solution, stating, “This is a fight we must win together—for the sake of our youth and the future of our country.”
The upcoming protest is expected to draw thousands of Liberians calling for stronger action and accountability in the fight against drug abuse.
#Everyone #Liberia #StopTheDrugs #SaveOurYouth
