Editorial: Rising Mob Violence Threatens Liberia’s Fight Against Drugs

Liberia is witnessing a troubling surge in mob violence as frustrated communities increasingly take the law into their own hands. Across Monrovia and other parts of the country, dwellers are reportedly arresting individuals they perceive as drug addicts or traffickers, vandalizing homes, and burning down alleged ghettos. While the fight against drugs remains a national priority and public frustration over narcotics-related crimes is understandable the alarming rise of mob justice poses a dangerous threat to peace, order, and the rule of law. Human rights advocates, community leaders, and concerned citizens are calling on the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP), to issue a strong statement condemning such practices and to reinforce mechanisms for lawful drug enforcement. Recent incidents highlight the escalating crisis. In Chicken Soup Factory, residents apprehended an elderly woman accused of possessing drugs. On Peace Island, District #10, Montserrado County, community leaders teamed up with some LNP officers to raid alleged ghettos, arresting nearly ten suspected drug users before burning down a ghetto. The community vowed to conduct weekly raids until drugs are eradicated. Similar actions have been reported on 4th Street in Sinkor and in Wako Town, Buchanan, Grand Bassa County. Although fueled by frustration with the spread of illicit substances, these actions are raising serious concerns about human rights violations, unlawful detention, and the potential for violent escalation. Citizens must be reminded that no individual has the legal right to arrest, beat, or detain another person. Such practices are unlawful and run counter to Liberia’s democratic values. As one concerned citizen bluntly put it: “Instead of arbitrarily arresting folks you think are into narcotics business, call the Police or LDEA agents. Blow the whistle and leave the rest with the government because you have no damn right to be beating on those folks and arresting them as ordinary citizens.” These troubling developments echo the “rebel behavior” of Liberia’s painful civil conflict, when violence often replaced lawful order. Left unchecked, mob justice could destabilize fragile communities and further erode trust in Liberia’s security institutions. The root cause of these unlawful practices lies partly in deep public distrust of the security sector. Many community dwellers believe reporting drug activity yields little to no results, citing corruption or negligence within law enforcement. This perception of inaction has fueled direct, unlawful actions by communities desperate to see change. But taking the law into one’s own hands is not a solution. It violates the rights of the accused, fuels cycles of revenge, and risks plunging neighborhoods into wider instability. Liberia is already battling the devastating effects of new illicit substances killing young people daily. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the LNP, and other security bodies have committed to confronting this crisis. Community support is critical but it must remain within the law. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity, avoid mob action, and collaborate with local authorities through structured community watch initiatives. The Ministry of Justice must issue a public advisory condemning mob justice, while assuring citizens of intensified government action against drugs through legitimate channels. Liberia cannot afford to undermine the fight against narcotics by embracing jungle justice. The anger of citizens is justified. But mob violence is unlawful, dangerous, and counterproductive. The government must act swiftly to both strengthen drug enforcement and restore public trust in law enforcement. Only by working together communities and state institutions can Liberia confront its drug crisis without sacrificing peace, democracy, and the rule of law.