WONGOSOL Urges Fair Drug Investigations, National Unity on Flag Day

MONROVIA, Liberia — The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) has called for a fair, independent and sustained response to Liberia’s drug crisis, warning that political influence must not interfere with investigations into the illegal drug trade.

In a statement issued in Monrovia, the women-led civil society network said the growing use and trafficking of illicit drugs continue to harm young people, women, families and communities across the country.

WONGOSOL said the national fight against drugs must be treated as a public safety and development concern, not as a political issue.

“The fight against illicit drugs must rise above political party ties, government positions, social status, influence and personal relationships,” the organization said. “No one should be protected from investigation because of who they are or who they know.”

At the same time, WONGOSOL emphasized that every person linked to an investigation must be treated fairly under the law. It said allegations, political comments and public speculation should not replace evidence.

The organization urged the Joint Security, the Judiciary and other relevant state institutions to conduct all drug-related investigations professionally and without intimidation, interference or pressure from political actors.

WONGOSOL said people suspected of involvement in drug trafficking should face the legal process where there is credible evidence. However, it stressed that no person should be considered guilty before a court of law makes a decision.

The organization called for full respect for the constitutional rights of those under investigation, including the right to due process and the presumption of innocence.

According to WONGOSOL, public officials, political parties, supporters and citizens should allow security institutions to work freely and independently.

“The drug crisis must not be turned into a political contest,” the group said. “It must remain a national effort to protect Liberia and its people.”

The statement follows continued public concern over the spread of illicit drugs and their impact on Liberia’s youth. WONGOSOL recalled that in August 2025, women and young people from different parts of the country, with support from male allies, organized public actions demanding stronger government intervention.

The organization said those calls reflected the pain of mothers, families and communities who are watching young people struggle with drug use, addiction and related social problems.

WONGOSOL said the concerns raised during those demonstrations must lead to meaningful action.

The women’s network said arrests and prosecutions alone will not solve the country’s drug problem. It called for a broader national strategy that addresses both drug trafficking and the social conditions that make young people vulnerable.

Such a response, it said, should include:

– Public awareness and prevention programs.

– Treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration services for people affected by substance use.

– Stronger border security and law-enforcement operations.

– Support for families and communities dealing with the effects of drug addiction.

– Long-term economic and social programs that reduce poverty, unemployment and hopelessness among young people.

WONGOSOL urged the Government of Liberia, the Joint Security, the courts, political leaders, civil society organizations, traditional and religious leaders, the media and the public to put the national interest ahead of political and personal concerns.

The organization said Liberia’s young people deserve protection from the destructive effects of drugs and called for all those found responsible for facilitating the illegal drug trade to be held accountable through the law.

“Those responsible must be identified through credible investigations and prosecuted where wrongdoing is established,” the statement said. “At the same time, the rights of every person under investigation must be respected.”

In a separate National Flag Day message, WONGOSOL called on Liberians to use the commemoration as a moment to strengthen peace, unity, reconciliation and inclusion.

The organization said the Lone Star represents Liberia’s sovereignty, resilience, national identity and hope. It also paid tribute to the Liberian women, led by Mrs. Susannah Lewis, who helped design the national flag in 1847.

WONGOSOL said the history of the national flag shows that women have played an important role in building Liberia from the earliest years of the country.

“Liberian women have never only watched history take place,” the organization said. “They have helped to shape it.”

The group noted that women have supported families, built communities, contributed to local economies, defended human rights, promoted peace and served in leadership roles across the country.

It also praised the role women played during Liberia’s civil conflicts, when women from different political, religious, ethnic and social backgrounds came together to demand an end to violence and support peace.

WONGOSOL said that more than 20 years after the end of Liberia’s civil conflict, the country must go beyond simply avoiding war. It said Liberia must continue to build trust, address past wounds, promote justice and accountability, and create stronger opportunities for reconciliation.

The organization called for honest national dialogue about Liberia’s past and urged authorities to ensure that victims and survivors are heard, respected and included in the country’s healing process.

It also called for the meaningful participation of women and young people in national decision-making.

“The Lone Star belongs to every Liberian,” WONGOSOL said. “It does not belong to one political party, one ethnic group, one religion, one county, one generation or one social class.”

The organization encouraged citizens to choose unity instead of division, dialogue instead of conflict, reconciliation instead of resentment, inclusion instead of exclusion, and peace instead of violence.

WONGOSOL acknowledged the Government of Liberia for helping to sustain more than two decades of peace. It also recognized international and development partners for their support during Liberia’s transition from conflict to recovery, democratic governance and development.

The organization, however, said the work of building a peaceful, fair and united Liberia remains unfinished.

It called on the government to increase investment in national reconciliation, justice, accountability, inclusive governance, peacebuilding and youth and women’s participation in decision-making.

WONGOSOL further urged international partners to maintain support for reconciliation, transitional justice, social cohesion, democratic governance and conflict prevention.

The group placed special emphasis on sustained and flexible support for women’s rights organizations, women peacebuilders and community-based groups. It said these organizations have played a major role in preventing conflict, supporting survivors, rebuilding trust and promoting peace in communities.

As Liberians mark National Flag Day, WONGOSOL said patriotism should be shown not only through ceremonies and speeches, but also through respect for the rule of law, protection of peace, pursuit of justice and efforts to create opportunities for all citizens.

“Liberia’s peace was hard won,” the organization said. “Protecting it, strengthening it and passing it on to the next generation remains the responsibility of every Liberian.”

WONGOSOL ended its message by calling on Liberians to draw inspiration from the women who helped create the national flag, the women who stood for peace during times of conflict, and the resilience of citizens across generations.

The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia is a women-led civil society network working to advance women’s rights, gender equality, peacebuilding, accountability, social justice and the active participation of women in Liberia’s development and decision-making processes.