By: Melvin Flomo
MONROVIA, Liberia — Bomi County Senator Edwin Snowe has criticized the apparent silence of opposition political figures, civil society organizations and religious leaders amid Liberia’s ongoing illicit drug investigation, warning that their failure to speak out could lend credence to allegations linking some current and former government officials to drug networks.
Speaking on Spoon Talk late Sunday, Senator Snowe expressed disappointment over what he described as the unusually muted response from Liberia’s opposition community to the unfolding drug scandal.
According to Snowe, the continued silence raises questions about whether some opposition figures may have connections to individuals implicated in the drug trade. He said the situation could also be viewed as reinforcing recent comments attributed to Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, who has suggested that both current and former officials could be connected to drug cartels.
Snowe stressed, however, that the allegations should be subjected to proper investigation and evidence, while calling for greater public scrutiny of the matter.
The Bomi County lawmaker also questioned the response of civil society and religious organizations, recalling the outspoken role historically played by prominent Liberian religious and civic leaders on issues of national concern.
Snowe further compared the current situation to the administrations of former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Manneh Weah, claiming that opposition groups and civil society were more vocal during those periods than they are today.
The Senator called on opposition political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions and Liberians generally to speak out and demand answers regarding the ongoing drug investigation.
“There are more questions than answers,” Snowe said, urging authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the investigation is transparent and that anyone found culpable is held accountable.
His comments come amid heightened public concern over Liberia’s illicit drug situation and ongoing investigations by state security agencies into alleged drug trafficking activities.
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