NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has strongly defended the Boakai administration’s anti-drug campaign, declaring that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is leading a “focused, principled and strategic” fight against narcotics while warning that misinformation and politically motivated allegations could undermine ongoing investigations and damage Liberia’s growing international reputation.
By: Gegee Brima
Speaking at a government press briefing, Minister Nyanti said she felt compelled to address recent allegations directed at her, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the government because the claims have evolved beyond personal attacks into narratives that could weaken Liberia’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and erode the country’s credibility on the global stage.
“I would not be speaking today if these issues were not important,” she said. “These allegations have existed since 2023, but what is new is the extent to which these lies undermine the fight against drug trafficking in Liberia. They undermine a highly credible investigation and Liberia’s positioning in the world.”
Nyanti emphasized that President Boakai has remained steadfast in his commitment to ensuring Liberia does not become a narco-state.
“President Boakai has led a very focused, principled and structured strategic fight against drugs in Liberia. The objective is clear: Liberia will not become a narco-state,” she declared.
She added that the President has consistently rejected governing through social media narratives or propaganda, choosing instead to allow state institutions to carry out their mandates professionally and independently.
According to the Foreign Minister, Liberia’s increasing influence on the international stage makes it even more important for citizens and public officials to safeguard the country’s reputation.
Nyanti revealed that, effective August 1, Liberia assumed responsibility for coordinating the African Three (A3) members of the United Nations Security Council while simultaneously leading the E-10, the bloc of 10 elected, non-permanent members of the 15-member Security Council.
Describing the assignment as a historic milestone, she said Liberia is now playing a central role in global peace and security deliberations.
“Everything happening at the Security Council this month involves Liberia’s leadership. We are coordinating both the A3 and the E-10. World leaders and foreign ministers are reaching out to Liberia because of the critical role we are playing,” she said.
The Minister also disclosed that her recent diplomatic engagements have taken her to several countries, including conflict-affected nations, as part of Liberia’s responsibilities on the UN Security Council.
She cited recent visits to Sudan and South Sudan, explaining that the missions were undertaken in her official capacity as Liberia’s representative on the Security Council.
Nyanti noted that she became the first foreign minister to meet Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in Khartoum since the conflict erupted in 2023.
She further asserted that Liberia’s diplomatic engagement helped pave the way for renewed involvement by both the African Union and the United Nations in Sudan.
“These are the things Liberia is doing on the world stage. This is not a joke,” she said. “We need to be responsible in how we present Liberia because we are no longer the Liberia we used to be.”
The Foreign Minister urged Liberians to take pride in the country’s growing international profile and President Boakai’s leadership.
“We’re not the same Liberia we used to be. Be proud of the Liberia we have today. Be proud of President Boakai’s leadership and what Liberia is doing in your name,” she stated.
Highlighting the link between Liberia’s international partnerships and its domestic anti-drug campaign, Nyanti disclosed that the government’s diplomatic efforts facilitated direct engagement with senior United States security officials following the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately US$19 million.
She explained that, after consultations with Liberia’s Inspector General of Police and other security authorities, she contacted senior officials within the U.S. National Security Council, leading to swift collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
“I received a call from the White House Situation Room, and after those discussions we were able to secure boots on the ground from the U.S. DEA to assist Liberia in its investigation,” she said.
Nyanti concluded by reaffirming that combating narcotics remains one of President Boakai’s highest priorities.
“President Boakai is not joking about his fight against drugs, and this is not a joke for the Liberian people, especially our young people. We are building a state that delivers results for the people of Liberia,” she said.
