Liberia, Sierra Leone Partner to Combat Drug and Substance Abuse, Urged to Build Resilience in MRU Communities
Monrovia – As part of efforts to advance the fight against drug and substance abuse, Liberia and Sierra Leone have established a strong partnership aimed at combating these issues in both countries.
This partnership highlights the power of collaboration and solidarity in addressing the complex challenges facing the Mano River Union (MRU) region.
At the opening of the annual Mano River Civil Peace Service Conference in Monrovia, the Coordinator of BFTW/CPS Liberia, Ms. Decontee E. George, emphasized the importance of this partnership in developing effective strategies to tackle drug and substance abuse. She noted that drug abuse is an invisible enemy that spares no one, stressing the need for collective action.
Ms. George acknowledged that both nations have recognized the need for joint efforts in addressing drug and substance abuse, and this collaborative initiative marks a significant step forward.
She expressed optimism that the partnership will yield positive outcomes, serving as a call to action for both countries to recommit to innovative and aligned strategies against drug abuse.
Ms. George also urged partners and donors to support organizations combating substance abuse to ensure the swift and effective eradication of this unseen crisis.
In addition, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights, Ambassador Abigail Karneh, emphasized the need for unity between the two nations. She urged them to establish a strong, joint committee dedicated to combating drug abuse, calling upon the presidents of Liberia and Sierra Leone to declare it a national emergency.
“We must be vigilant and strengthen this partnership by uniting our resources and voices against this crisis,” Ambassador Karneh said. “The consequences of inaction are dire. Addiction invades our homes, disrupts our lives, and threatens our communities. Together, we can reclaim our streets, protect our youth, and secure our future.”
Representing Sierra Leone at the conference, Konneh Don Toka, Defense Attaché at the Sierra Leone Embassy, noted that this year’s theme, “Working in Partnership to Combat Drugs and Substance Abuse in the MRU,” is critically relevant. He stressed that addressing drug abuse is not the responsibility of a single entity; rather, it requires a united front, as the growing drug crisis threatens the very fabric of society.
Toka highlighted that drug abuse extends beyond a public health crisis, undermining social stability, weakening governance, exacerbating poverty, and limiting the potential of the youth. He called for a comprehensive approach that not only reduces supply and demand but also prioritizes education, prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration for those affected by substance abuse.
The partnership launch took place at the Riverside Resort and Villa on Bushrod Island in Monrovia. The five-day Mano River Civil Peace Service Conference includes representatives from the YMCA, MRU countries, civil society organizations, and the governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone.
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